The Taraba State High Court in Jalingo has made a decisive ruling against the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), directing them to pay damages totaling N800,000 for an illegal disconnection of electricity. The case was brought before the court by Dr. Atando Dauda Agbu, a faculty member at Taraba State University, who was abruptly disconnected from the power supply without prior notice.

In response to the plaintiff’s lawsuit (Suit No. TRSJ/111/2023) against YEDC, its Business Manager of Jalingo II YEDC, and Mr. Paul Isaiah of YEDC, Justice Nuhu Adi delivered a judgment declaring the disconnection on August 7, 2023, as unlawful. The court ruled in favor of Dr. Agbu, asserting that the discontinuation of electricity to his residence in Taraba State University Quarters, Jalingo, was indeed unlawful.

Dr. Agbu had reported abnormal readings in his prepaid electricity meter in December 2021, but his complaints were left unresolved by the defendants. Despite applying for a new meter in June 2023 and remaining up-to-date with bill payments, the plaintiff’s electricity supply was disconnected without the mandatory statutory notice.

Consequently, the court awarded damages of N600,000 against the defendants and mandated the immediate reconnection of Dr. Agbu’s electricity supply. Furthermore, the court directed the defendants to refrain from disconnecting the supply without due process in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, costs of N200,000 were awarded in favor of the plaintiff.

This landmark judgment serves as a significant precedent, emphasizing the protection of consumer rights and the importance of adherence to legal procedures in the power distribution sector. The ruling not only addresses the specific grievances of the plaintiff but also establishes a framework for ensuring fair treatment and accountability within the industry.