Ondo Police Probe ₦10 Million Arson Attack on Okitipupa Prepaid Meter Warehouse

The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack that destroyed prepaid electricity meters valued at over ₦10 million in Okitipupa.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Command’s spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attack was a serious offence and assured the public that those responsible would be prosecuted.

“We have commenced an investigation into the arson at the prepaid meter warehouse. The public can be confident that the culprits will face justice once the investigation is completed,” Ayanlade stated.

According to NAN, the affected warehouse belongs to Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, one of the Meter Asset Providers approved by the Ondo State Government under the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme. The facility, located on Barracks Road, Okitipupa, was allegedly set ablaze by unidentified individuals on Monday. Over 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters worth ₦10 million were destroyed in the fire.

The Managing Director of Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, Mr. Henry Akinbola-Oyinbo, expressed deep disappointment over the incident, explaining that the intensity of the fire made it impossible for residents nearby to rescue anything.

“We were alerted early in the morning that our warehouse was on fire. Our prepaid meters are not inflammable, so it’s clear that this was an intentional act,” he said.

Akinbola-Oyinbo described the attack as a deliberate attempt to derail Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to end estimated electricity billing in Ondo State through the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme.

“It’s painful that while the governor is working to ensure fair billing for citizens, some elements are determined to frustrate that progress,” he lamented.

He urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those behind the act.