A suspected vandal, identified as Khalifa, was electrocuted while allegedly tampering with a power infrastructure in Oginigba Community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Details of the Incident
The company's Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, stated that the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, during an attempt to remove a component from a high-tension installation. The vandal, reportedly in his late twenties, died instantly after disconnecting a pot insulator from a high-tension pole.
Fatal Turn of Events
According to PHED, the situation turned fatal when electricity was restored shortly after the suspect had removed the equipment. Ilevbare emphasized the collective responsibility to combat vandalism, noting that such acts severely impact customers served by the affected installations.
She described the deceased as a victim of his own trade and expressed hope that his death would serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar criminal activities. Ilevbare also reminded the public that existing laws on electricity-related offenses carry severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 21 years.
Investigations are ongoing to identify other suspects involved in vandalism within the area.
