BEDC Blasts Electricity Thieves, Says Metre Bypass Is Worse Than Kidnapping

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians involved in electricity theft, saying that tampering with or bypassing electricity meters is a greater crime than kidnapping.

The electricity company made the shocking comparison in a notice written in Pidgin English on Friday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The message read:

“Person wey dey bypass light, worse pass kidnapper. You will soon understand why.”

The bold statement has stirred reactions online, but BEDC insists the aim is to draw attention to the growing rate of electricity theft across its franchise areas — which include Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states.

BEDC stressed that when individuals bypass meters or steal power, they are not just breaking the law but also putting an entire community at risk. It described such acts as a betrayal that negatively affects electricity supply, service quality, and the financial health of the power sector.

The statement comes at a time when Nigeria is battling rising energy theft, a trend that threatens the already fragile power supply system.

 In response to the problem, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in February 2025 imposed stricter penalties, including fines ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 for anyone caught tampering with electricity infrastructure.

BEDC’s strong message is part of a broader campaign by power distribution companies to educate users on the consequences of illegal connections and encourage responsible electricity consumption.