Police arraign 2 suspects for assaulting EEDC staff in Anambra

Two suspects arrested by the police in Anambra on July 31, for allegedly assaulting an Enugu Electricity Distribution (EEDC) staff in the state, have been arraigned before the Magistrate Court 3, Ogidi, Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

In statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja Wednesday, signed by the Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, the suspects, Mr Nonso Amadi and Mr Chibuzor Okafor, who were charged for assault occasioning harm, were, however, granted bail and the case adjourned to October, 8, 2019.

Ezeh said that assault on EEDC field officers, in the course of carrying out their daily operations, is one of the challenges faced by the company, even as he cited situations whereby customers released their dogs on staff or threatened them at gun point to either come down from the pole or to climb and reconnect them.

He, however, commended the judiciary “for the speedy attention given to this matter” and expressed optimism that the prosecution of the suspects “will definitely serve as deterrent to other people that engage in such act.”

He said: “We value our staff, and are concerned about their safety, especially when they are carrying out their lawful duties. We are ever ready to protect them and prosecute anyone or group that assaults them. We commend the judiciary for the speedy attention given to this matter and are optimistic that this will definitely serve as deterrent to other people that engage in such act.

“Sometimes, these staff are pulled down from the ladder while they are still on the pole and attacked with harmful objects like knife. These are individuals who work to earn a living, most of whom are bread winners to their families. If this is encouraged, it could happen to anyone tomorrow.

“Customers are encouraged to follow the established redress mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to channel their complaints. The regulation also provides opportunity to escalate issues to the nearest NERC Forum Office within their area, for further intervention. There is no justification whatsoever to assault any of our staff in the course of his/her legitimate duty.”

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