By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Magistrate Court of Anambra State, sitting at Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA), has arraigned two siblings, Mr. Kingsley Chikeluba Okwueze, aged 39 and Mr. Nnamdi Adolphus Okwueze, aged 37, for allegedly assaulting a staff of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDL).
The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Lawrence Uzuodu in charge No. NMC/51C/2026 with five-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, which included conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, malicious damage to property, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and illegal connection to electricity supply.
According to the Head, Communications, FirstPower Limited, Mr Izunna Okafor, the incident occurred on December 27, 2025, at Amakom Village, Ifite Oraifite, where the defendants and others currently at large allegedly conspired and unlawfully assaulted Mr. Anya Charles Uzonna, a staff member working within the FirstPower electricity network coverage area.
" The victim was reportedly beaten with fist blows, marched on, and physically assaulted, resulting in injuries that rendered him unconscious, including maliciously damaging his personal property, a mobile phone and power bank valued at ₦170,000, and engaging in illegal electricity connection, among other related offences. The charges were brought pursuant to relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Cap 36, Vol. II, Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.
"When the charges were read in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. The presiding Chief Magistrate, His Worship Magistrate Lawrence Uzuodu, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N800,000 each, with one surety each. The matter has been adjourned to April 30, 2026, for hearing.
"FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited views the incident with utmost seriousness and reiterates that assault on electricity workers performing their lawful duties is a criminal offence and a direct attack on public service delivery. Such acts not only endanger the lives of personnel but also undermine efforts to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electricity supply to customers.
"Reacting, the Managing Director, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt investigation and prosecution of the matter, and reaffirmed the Company's commitment to working with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violence, vandalism, and illegal electricity activities are brought to justice."
Tags
News