AEDC Staff Beaten to Unconsciousness by Electricity Thieves in Nasarawa, Primary Suspect Remanded
AEDC Staff Beaten to Unconsciousness by Electricity Thieves in Nasarawa, Primary Suspect Remanded
MASAKA, NASARAWA STATE — Concerns regarding the safety of electricity utility personnel have reached a critical point following a brutal attack in Nasarawa State, where a staff member of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) was beaten to a state of unconsciousness while carrying out a lawful enforcement duty.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2026, at approximately 13:00 hrs, when Mr. Abdul Ishaka, a Customer Representative Officer (CRO) stationed at the Karshi Service Center, Masaka Business Office, was executing his legitimate duties. According to reports, a customer, identified as Mrs. Laraba Waziri, mobilized her son and his friends to attack Mr. Ishaka after he questioned why the customer had illegally “hung” her service wire to restore power after being disconnected for non-payment (DNP). Records indicate that the customer’s account carries a total outstanding debt of ₦272,499.47.
The assault was severe, leaving the staff member unconscious. He was rushed to Emmanuel Baptist Clinic for emergency first aid before being transferred to the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, where he remains on admission receiving treatment.
In a swift response to the violent act, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) personally intervened, directing the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police to fast-track the investigation. The primary suspect was detained and arraigned before the Senior Magistrate Court, Auta Balefi, where she has been remanded in police detention until other suspects who are at large are apprehended. Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations is personally supervising the case to ensure no lapses in the legal process, with a strong push for immediate prison remand to ensure justice is served swiftly.
Management at AEDC has condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, reiterating that the company will ensure the suspects face the full weight of the law for the assault on their staff.
Industry stakeholders have once again emphasized that electricity theft and the assault of enforcement officers are criminal offenses punishable under Nigerian law. They warn that such violent actions not only endanger lives but also sabotage infrastructure protection efforts and disrupt service delivery.
The swift action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been lauded, sending a clear message that attacks on utility workers will not be tolerated.
