A suspected vandal, identified as Khalifa, was ectrocuted while allegedly tampering with its infrastructure in Oginigba Community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, said the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, during an attempt to remove a component from a high-tension installation.
“The vandal who was reportedly in his late twenties was said to have died on-the-spot after disconnecting a pot insulator from a High-Tension pole,” the statement read.
According to PHED, the incident turned fatal when electricity was restored shortly after the suspected vandal had removed the equipment.
“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, invariably, the customers served become severely impacted,” Ilevbare said.
She described the deceased as “a victim of his own trade,” adding that the incident should serve as a warning to others involved in similar activities.
“It is hoped that the d3ath of Khalifa, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities,” she said.
She also reminded the public that existing laws on electricity-related offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 21 years.
Ilevbare added that investigations were ongoing to identify other suspects involved in vandalism within the area.
