The Federal High Court in Ikoyi has adjourned a case filed by some Surulere electricity consumers against the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) until June 24.
The residents are challenging EKEDC’s unauthorized migration to Band A, which they claim has caused economic hardship and drained their finances.
At the first preliminary hearing, Barrister Dapo Oduwole, representing the plaintiffs, expressed optimism about securing justice for his clients.
He stated that their rights as electricity consumers had been infringed upon and demanded that they be returned to Band B. Oduwole also called for a refund to customers who acquired prepaid meters on their own, citing NERC’s directive.
The lawyer accused EKEDC of engaging in monumental fraud, particularly in dealing with post-paid customers under the guise of estimated billing. He alleged that EKEDC issued arbitrary and inflated bills based on assumptions, rather than reading actual consumption.
Oduwole also expressed concern over the billing of innocent electricity consumers when some residents illegally bypass supply, often in connivance with corrupt EKEDC officials.
Some of the affected residents protested outside the court, carrying placards with messages such as “EKEDC Band A is More Expensive Than House Rent” and “Save Us from the Fraudulent Act of EKEDC.”
The case has sparked concerns about the impact of Band A migration on electricity consumers, who are already struggling with high costs and inefficient supply.