In a deeply distressing turn of events, an Ibadan resident, Mrs. Adebola Arowona, has publicly alleged that she was assaulted by officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) — an encounter she says culminated in the tragic loss of her pregnancy. Her account, made to the press on November 25, 2025, has ignited outrage, drawing attention to both her personal suffering and broader concerns about IBEDC’s conduct.
The Alleged Confrontation: A Chronology
According to Mrs. Arowona, the ordeal began on November 8, 2025, when IBEDC personnel visited her home under the pretext of checking her electricity meter. She recounts, “They were in my house for almost an hour and said they didn’t find anything.” But what followed was more than a routine inspection — she says one of the staff then demanded ₦300,000, instructing her to send the money to his Opay account. She refused, unsure of the basis for such a payment.
More shockingly, Mrs. Arowona claimed that one of the officials made inappropriate advances towards her. “Earlier, he asked if I would date him,” she said; she refused, urging him to concentrate on his job.
Following that first incident, she visited IBEDC’s office at BCJ (Bus and Coach Junction) to follow up on her request to have her meter relocated. She was told that relocation would happen soon, but when she came back later, she found that no officials were available.
The situation escalated on November 15, 2025, when IBEDC staff allegedly returned to her home. This time, Mrs. Arowona says they made no effort to knock; they went straight to her electricity pole and disconnected her power. When she stepped out to photograph the ID badge of one official — likely to document who was responsible — things turned violent. According to her, he slapped and punched her, causing injuries.
The Loss and the Aftermath: A Mother’s Pain
Mrs. Arowona’s description of that moment is both raw and heartbreaking. She said she started bleeding immediately, realizing during the assault that she had lost her pregnancy. She also reported blows to her face, which left her unable to open her left eye. In her own words, “The pain … that loss … it’s something I will never forget.”
In the chaos, she held tightly to the shirt of the official who allegedly attacked her, demanding accountability. When she believed his vehicle was moving toward her, she picked up a stone in self-defense and threw it, reportedly hitting the windshield.
Eyewitnesses, she claimed, tried to film the altercation — but were warned by the officials not to speak up, with threats that the whole community would face repercussions.
Bleeding and traumatized, she later went to the Oluyole Police Station and under the supervision of a female officer, she had to be examined due to the severity of her bleeding.
Adding insult to injury, Mrs. Arowona alleges that after the incident, her payment history disappeared from the IBEDC app, despite having receipts in paper form as proof that she had faithfully paid her electricity bills monthly.
IBEDC’s Response: A Different Narrative
Unsurprisingly, IBEDC has issued its own version of events. In response to Mrs. Arowona’s claims, the company says its officials were assaulted during an operation. According to them, the confrontation on November 15 was not initiated by their staff, but rather by Mrs. Arowona, who allegedly resisted disconnection, shoved a staff member, slapped another, and then vandalized the company’s vehicle by smashing its windshield with a stone.
IBEDC says it has opened a legal case against her, emphasizing that prosecution is ongoing. Their statement also claims that they found evidence of meter tampering and energy theft at her property — allegations that Mrs. Arowona vehemently denies. The distribution company, determined to set an example, has reiterated its “zero-tolerance” policy toward attacks on its personnel, theft, and vandalism.
Moreover, IBEDC has secured her arrest, as confirmed by multiple sources. They say they will push the case “to its logical conclusion” in court.
A Broader Context: Power Struggles, Public Trust, and Regulatory Pressure
Mrs. Arowona’s case is not happening in a vacuum. Her story comes amid growing tension between IBEDC and its customers, particularly in Ibadan and across its service area.
In June 2025, residents from communities like Apete, Araromi, and Awotan staged protests after enduring a seven-week blackout. They accused IBEDC of selectively disconnecting power and shutting down its own Apete office — effectively cutting off a vital point of contact for customer complaints and billing issues.
Also, earlier in 2025, the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned IBEDC for illegally disconnecting power at their press center during a major event, calling the act “reckless” and demanding accountability.
Political pressures are also mounting: Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has publicly warned IBEDC to reform, especially ahead of the establishment of a new State Electricity Regulatory Agency that will oversee customer complaints and hold the company accountable.
Meanwhile, IBEDC itself is under financial strain. In its 2023 financial report (published in early 2025), the company disclosed net current liabilities exceeding ₦100 billion, blaming historical pricing regimes that made it difficult to recover costs. The firm has also noted ongoing technical and commercial challenges, including meter rollout and losses.
Why This Story Resonates
This is more than a personal tragedy — it touches on systemic issues:
1. Human Rights & Safety: If Mrs. Arowona’s account is accurate, it raises grave concerns about how IBEDC officials interact with customers. Physical assault, intimidation, and threats of retaliation suggest possible abuses of power.
2. Regulation & Accountability: The conflicting narratives — her claims vs. IBEDC’s version — underscore the need for independent investigation. Are electricity distribution companies accountable enough? Who watches the watchdogs?
3. Power Infrastructure & Trust: With mounting customer complaints, blackouts, and disconnection incidents, trust in DISCOs (Distribution Companies) like IBEDC is eroding. Cases like this further strain the social contract.
4. Emotional & Social Impact: The alleged loss of pregnancy adds a layer of personal pain and trauma. This is not just about money or electricity — it’s about a human life disrupted.
What’s Next: Possible Outcomes
Legal Proceedings: The case is already in motion. IBEDC says it will prosecute, and Mrs. Arowona has expressed her desire for justice. How the courts adjudicate — on assault, vandalism, or energy theft — will be closely watched.
Regulatory Intervention: There may be calls for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) or other oversight bodies to open an independent inquiry into IBEDC’s operations, customer treatment, and internal culture.
Public & Media Pressure: As more media outlets report the story, public sympathy may lean toward Mrs. Arowona. Civil society groups could amplify her demands, calling for reforms.
Corporate Reputation: IBEDC risks significant reputational damage if investigations back Mrs. Arowona’s account. Even if parts of their version hold, the company may face pressure to improve transparency, restrict abuse, and strengthen internal training.
Conclusion
Mrs. Adebola Arowona’s painful testimony — being physically assaulted, bleeding, and losing her unborn child — is a stark reminder that beyond the technicalities of electricity distribution lies a deeply human story. Whether IBEDC’s narrative or hers is upheld in court, the incident raises urgent questions about power, protection, and powerlessness.
For a company entrusted with providing a vital public good, the stakes are high: this is not just about revenue or infrastructure, but about trust, dignity, and justice.
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