KEY POINTS
- Ikeja Electric restored power to a Lagos compound after a report exposed a disputed disconnection.
- The resident said he had paid ₦40,000 to clear bills before officials demanded another ₦10,000.
- Supply was reconnected after residents visited the company’s office and pressed their complaint.
Electricity supply has been restored to the residence of Okechukwu Ogbonna, a resident of Adejatu Street in Isolo/Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, after a complaint publicised by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism prompted action from Ikeja Electric.
The reconnection followed a report highlighting Ogbonna’s claim that power was disconnected from his compound despite his payment of ₦40,000 to settle outstanding post-paid electricity bills just two days earlier.
He alleged that officials disconnected the supply and demanded an additional ₦10,000 reconnection fee, even though payment receipts showed he had cleared his balance.
Residents in the Compound have been Complying
According to him, residents in the compound had been complying with a prior arrangement requiring them to pay extra above their billed amount to offset old debts.
He said this system had been in place since the previous year, making the sudden disconnection and new demand unjustifiable.
After the report was published, messages were sent to the distribution company seeking clarification.
Ogbonna confirmed that electricity was restored the following Saturday after he and other residents visited the company’s nearby office to lodge a formal complaint.
He noted that officials initially insisted on their demand but later reconnected the power once the residents maintained their position and presented proof of payment.
