Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has dragged a right activist, Comrade Osita Obi, and five others over demonstrations that allegedly affected the company’s business.
The EEDC in a suit number marked FHC/ABJ/CS/476/2019, before Justice I.E.Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, is claiming N100 million from the defendants as general damages.
Others listed as second to sixth defendants are: Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh (chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, UNIZIK), and Comrade Chiedozie Ojiaku (National Director of Sports, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS Zone B, Awka).
Also listed as defendants are; Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Anambra state and the Director Department of State Services (DSS) Anambra State, named as fourth to sixth defendants respectively.
The plaintiff’s statement of claim which was made available to journalists in Awka on Friday, is asking the court to declare as unlawful, the agitation and calls by the defendants that EEDC provides pre-paid metres, stoppage of estimated billings to its customers and business community in Awka.
It alleged that “under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act number 6 of 2005 and the Regulations made thereunder, any complainant bordering on non-provision of pre-paid metres, excess charges and estimated bills, amounted to unlawful interference with and disruption of the plaintiff’s business.
The EEDCsaid “the fourth to sixth defendants, being law enforcement officials and institutions, turned round to condone and or permit the first to third defendants to do what was unlawful by allowing them protest against the plaintiff and occupy its office.”
The matter has been fixed for June 27, for mention.
