The trial of Abuja property developer Cecil Osakwe, who is facing charges of alleged electricity theft, continued at the Federal High Court, Abuja. During the proceedings, the prosecutor called two witnesses who adopted their witness statements and identified exhibits, which were alleged to be tampered electricity meters.
However, the defense counsel raised objections to the tendering of the exhibits, arguing that the prosecutor had not attached the documents to the witness statement of one of the witnesses from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (AEDC). The prosecutor maintained that all witness statements and exhibits had been served on the Defense and the court.
Following arguments from both sides, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, adjourned the case until July 13 for the continuation of the trial.
Osakwe was arraigned by the Federal Government in March 2023 before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He was charged with two counts related to tampering with electricity meters, resulting in the loss of N11 million in revenue to the federal government.
The charges alleged that Osakwe unlawfully interfered with the supply of electricity and unlawfully interfered with electricity fittings, meters, and appliances, resulting in the illegal conversion of electricity supply.
Osakwe was alleged to have been caught stealing electricity at various properties, including his residence at 11 Aso Drive, Abuja, by officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The scale of electricity theft at other properties managed by Osakwe is still under investigation according to officials of the power company.
