PHED suspected vandal electrocution death as Port Harcourt electricity firm confirms fatal incident during alleged tampering with high-tension equipment

Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has confirmed the death of a suspected vandal who was electrocuted while allegedly tampering with electricity infrastructure in Oginigba, Port Harcourt.

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It occurred in the early hours of Friday, 24 April 2026, when the individual identified as Khalifa reportedly attempted to remove a component from a high-tension installation.

According to PHED, the incident turned fatal after the suspect allegedly interfered with a section of the equipment shortly before power was restored to the area.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, said the suspect, believed to be in his late twenties, died on the spot after disconnecting a pot insulator from a high-tension pole.

PHED described the incident as a tragic consequence of ongoing vandalism of electricity infrastructure, warning that such acts pose severe risks to human life and disrupt power supply to customers.

The company stressed that damage to power installations often leads to widespread outages, affecting communities and undermining efforts to stabilise electricity distribution.

It further urged members of the public to desist from tampering with power facilities, noting that such actions carry serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.

PHED expressed hope that the incident would serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar activities, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding infrastructure across its network.

Meanwhile, the company announced improved electricity supply to residents of Mbodo Aluu in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area following their upgrade to Band A service category.

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The upgrade, according to PHED, followed infrastructure improvements including new transformer installations and replacement of critical components, supported by increased community cooperation on bill payments.