Offences and Penalties
Tampering and Theft

• Meter Tampering and Bypassing:
• Unauthorized connections, tampering, bypassing meters, using tampered meters or devices to steal or waste electricity are offences.
• Fines and imprisonment for offences vary depending on the load used or stolen, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.
• Damage or Unauthorized Use:
• Damaging or destroying meters, equipment, or wires to interfere with metering or using electricity unauthorized are also offences.

Stealing Electric Lines and Materials

• Theft:
• Cutting, removing, storing, or moving electric lines, materials, or meters without consent.
• Fine of at least ₦500,000 or imprisonment, increased penalties for repeat offenders.
• Receiving Stolen Property:
• Receiving stolen electric lines or materials knowingly is punishable by a fine up to three times the value or imprisonment up to 14 years.

Unauthorized Connections and Reconnections

• Unauthorized Actions:
• Connecting, disconnecting, or tampering with meters or apparatus without authorization.
• Laying or connecting works without permission.
• Fines up to ₦500,000, imprisonment, and additional daily fines for continuing offences.

Negligence and Malicious Actions

• Negligent Damage:
• Negligently damaging any material related to electricity supply incurs fines and restoration costs.
• Intentional Disruption:
• Intent to cut off electricity supply through damaging lines or works is an offence.
• Maliciously extinguishing public streetlights incurs fines.

Compliance and False Declarations

• Non-Compliance:
• Failing to comply with orders or regulations, or attempting/abetting offences under the Act.
• Fines up to ₦500,000, imprisonment, and additional daily fines for continuing offences.
• False Declarations:
• Making false declarations in required statements incurs fines and imprisonment.

Corporate Liability

• Company Offences:
• Principal officers and the company are liable for offences committed by the company.
• Officers prove due diligence to avoid liability.
• Neglect, consent, or connivance in the offence by directors or officers also incurs liability.

Offences and Penalties
Aiding, Abetting, and Conspiracy

• General Offence:
• Aiding, counseling, or abetting an offence is punishable by the same penalties as the offence.
• Staff Involvement:
• Staff of the Commission, NEMSA, or licensees involved in agreements or actions leading to electricity theft face fines or imprisonment.

Confidentiality and Misuse of Information

• Protection of Information:
• Prohibits misuse of financial or commercial information gained in official capacities for personal gain.
• Penalties:
• Forfeiture of proceeds, fines, and imprisonment for misuse of confidential information.

Obstruction and Impersonation

• Obstruction:
• Obstructing or injuring someone performing duties on behalf of a licensee incurs heavy fines and imprisonment.
• Impersonation:
• False representation as an employee of a licensee, franchisee, or permit holder results in severe penalties.

Prosecution and Court Powers

• Prosecution:
• Attorneys-General of the Federation and States can prosecute offences, with security agencies needing prior consent.
• Court Directives for First-Time Offenders:
• Courts may order first-time offenders to pay affected parties instead of facing further proceedings.
• Jurisdiction:
• Federal and State High Courts have concurrent jurisdiction, ensuring expedited hearings.