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CHEATERS: How DisCos Over-bill Customers By N105bn In 9 Months
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has imposed a N10.5 billion fine on electricity distribution companies, DisCos, for over billion customers without meters to the tune of 105.05 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
The Commission in separate Orders issued to the DisCos on Friday said the utilities were in breach of an Order it issued in 2020 on capping of electricity billed to unmetered customers by the DisCos.
A selected check on the orders showed that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, over-billed its customers without meters to the tune of N17.874 billion while Eko Distribution Company, EKEDC, over-billed its unmetered customers by N13.137 billion.
Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, over-billed its customers without meter by N14.187 billion with Kaduna Electric over-billing its customers by N1.145 billion.
NERC ordered the DisCos to refund the cheated customers in full and to ensure compliance in the future. To deter future occurrence, it imposed a 10 percent fine on the utilities.
The Commission explained that “The public may recall that in 2020, the Commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.
“A review of the Electricity Distribution Companies billing of unmetered customers for 2023 has revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission.
“In response to this and in a bid to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos, the Commission, pursuant to Section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023 (“EA 2023”), has issued the Order on Non-Compliance with Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/2024/004-014) which stipulates the following: “Credit Adjustment to Customers: DisCos are to issue credit adjustments to all overbilled unmetered customers for the period January to September 2023 by the March 2024 billing cycle.
“Public Notice: DisCos have been directed to publish the list of credit adjustment beneficiaries in two national dailies and on their website no later than 31st March 2024.
“Regulatory Sanctions: The Commission shall deduct a sum of N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the eleven (11) DisCos during the next tariff review, to deter future non-compliance with the energy caps approved by the Commission”.
Specifically, for Eko DisCo, the Commission said: “To forestall further non-compliance, a deduction of N1,413,766,176 which is equivalent to 10% of the Naira value of the total over-billing for the period January – September 2023 shall be applied to EKEDC’s annual OpEx over a rolling 12-month period during the next tariff review.
“Notwithstanding the provisions of section (11B)(i), and pursuant to the provision of section 34(2)(f) of the EA 2023, the Commission may deduct a greater percentage of the total over-billing from EKEDC’s admin OPEX where a non-compliance with capping Orders persists”.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a four-match suspension and a $20,000 fine on former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o following his conduct during a 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match.
According to a statement cited by BBC Sport, CAF ruled that Eto’o who currently serves as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) breached the principles of sportsmanship during Cameroon’s quarter-final clash with host nation Morocco in Rabat. Cameroon lost the encounter 2–0.
CAF said the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker displayed inappropriate behaviour on the sidelines, reacting angrily to several decisions made by match officials. CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the stadium, reportedly witnessed the incident.
Earlier this week, CAF announced it had opened an investigation into what it described as “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour” involving players and officials during several quarter-final matches at the tournament.
FECAFOOT has since rejected the disciplinary ruling, raising concerns about the fairness of the process. In a statement released on Wednesday, the federation said the decision “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial” and confirmed that it is considering an appeal.
Eto’o, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful footballers, has led the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021. However, his tenure has been marked by repeated controversies, including allegations of governance lapses and improper conduct within the federation.
While some football stakeholders in Cameroon have openly criticised his leadership style, Eto’o has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his administration has introduced meaningful reforms and recorded notable achievements.
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Just in: One month after, five out of 8 abducted indigenes of Kabba-Bunu LGA regain freedom(Photos)
After five months in Kidnappers den, five out of eight kidnapped indigenes of Kabba-Bunu LGA in Kogi State finally regain freedom.
As at press time details about their release was still very sketchy.
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Details shortly….
The rift between Afrobeats superstar, Davido, and 12-year-old Anuoluwapo Mitchelle, who claims to be his daughter, has intensified following the release of a leaked chat in which the singer allegedly threatened to have the girl’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, arrested for ongoing “harassment”.
The conversation, which appeared on Anuoluwapo’s Instagram page, co-managed by her mother, shows a tense exchange where Davido reportedly stood his ground, denying her paternity.
While the singer has not confirmed the chat’s authenticity, the messages have quickly gone viral.
In the leaked chat, the singer allegedly warned, “Stop this nonsense. Keep playing, and I will arrest your mother. Try this nonsense again. I’m not your father.”
When Anuoluwapo clarified that her mother was not part of her personal appeal, Davido reportedly doubled down:
“I am not your father. Go and find your father. This is the last time. I’m warning. I’ve done five DNA tests. You’re not mine. Please stop this nonsense before it gets messy.”
Anuoluwapo asked for the results of the tests, and Davido reportedly replied,
“Yes, I will show you. Five. Two of the hospitals were chosen by your mother. Two were chosen by me. All negative. Four tests. Then one test 10 years. That’s five. You’re not my child.”
Expressing frustration at the prolonged dispute, he added,
“You guys have been harassing me for years, and it has to stop. It’s not fair on my actual kids. Please, stop it.”
Davido reportedly indicated he would make the matter public and pursue legal action:
“Don’t worry, I will publish them tomorrow and in the newspaper. I will publish online and in newspaper. Then I will take your mom to court. She thinks it’s a game. Just watch. She will go to jail.”
When Anuoluwapo asked for the hospitals’ names, he allegedly responded:
“It will show in the tests. You don’t worry. I’m not your dad. Sorry. You’re not my child. We will publish everything. Warn your mother. You’re not an Adeleke. I’m sorry. You can also go to the hospitals and confirm for yourself.”
CAF Fines Eto’o, Hands Former Cameroon Star Four-Match Ban Over AFCON Incident
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