The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and its subsidiary, BEDC Electricity Ondo Limited (BEOL), have strongly condemned an alleged plan by the Ondo State Government to assume control of electricity distribution operations in the state.The condemnation was issued in a statement responding to the announcement by the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Power, describing the state government’s move as illegal, provocative, and disruptive to ongoing partnerships.

BEDC’s statement was released on Friday in Benin by its Chief Revenue Cycle Manager, Mr Collins Igwe.According to Igwe, while the Electricity Act 2023 empowers states to regulate their electricity markets, it does not authorise them to unilaterally take over distribution operations.BEDC stated that any such move would violate the joint communiqué reached after a strategic meeting between BEDC/BEOL and the Ondo state government aimed at addressing power challenges.“Any such move undermines the spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding agreed upon to resolve electricity issues in the state.“We have a legal mandate to operate in Ondo. This attempted encroachment is unacceptable,” Igwe said.He emphasised that the power supply challenges in Ondo were part of broader national issues, and reiterated BEDC’s commitment—through BEOL—to implementing long-term, sustainable solutions.“We are open to partnerships, but any approach must respect due legal processes and the agreements made in good faith,” he added.Igwe also explained that the jointly signed communiqué established a clear roadmap for collaborative solutions.He said it recommended the creation of a power supply committee to address electricity access in underserved and unserved communities through a mutually agreed framework.The company warned that any unilateral action or interference in its operations would constitute a breach of agreement and could disrupt electricity distribution services across the state.“The company reaffirmed that it remains the duly licensed operator in Ondo and will protect its infrastructure in line with Nigerian laws and regulatory standards.“We call on those currently attempting to interfere with our infrastructure to desist immediately to avoid legal consequences,” the statement said.Igwe further urged the public to disregard the controversial publication, describing it as misleading, unauthorised, and detrimental to ongoing collaborative efforts.He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering improved electricity services in Ondo state, prioritising transparency, legal compliance, and community engagement.“We remain focused on constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure sustained progress and stability in Ondo state’s power sector,” Igwe said.(NAN)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 78 suspected internet fraudsters in Kano, Nasarawa and Abia.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the EFCC operatives on Friday, arrested 43 suspected internet fraudsters in Toto, Nasarawa State.

According to him, their arrest followed actionable intelligence which linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

”Items recovered from them include five motorcycles, 64 mobile phones, four laptop computers and an iPad,’ he said.

Oyewale said that in a related development, the EFCC’s operatives  on Thursday arrested 30 suspected internet fraudsters at Ariam and Ubakala in Abia.

He said the items recovered from them included four cars, one iPad, three laptop computers, one sound system, fourty two cell phones and one external hard drive.

”In the same vein, operatives of the  Kano Zonal Directorate  of the Commission equally arrested five suspected cyber criminals in Kano.

”The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, during a sting operation at Farm Centre, Kano following actionable intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud and related financial crimes.

 ”The suspects were arrested alongside their mobile phones,” he said.

According to him, all the suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said. (NAN)

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 49-year-old appeared in the dock at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Friday flanked by two officers, where he stood stock-still and looked straight ahead as he delivered his pleas.

He is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, and grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet.

Brand is also alleged to have grabbed a radio station worker’s face, pushing her against a wall and kissing her before groping her breasts and buttocks.

The final charge alleges the actor indecently assaulted another woman after grabbing her forearm and attempting to drag her into a male toilet.

The allegations against Brand are said to have taken place against four women between 1999 and 2005.

The defendant, of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, who faces one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, is due to stand trial on June 3 next year at the same court.

As Friday’s hearing finished, the comedian replaced his sunglasses before exiting the dock and calmly walked past reporters.

He was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times newspaper in which several women made allegations against him.

Brand previously told his 11.2 million followers on X that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.(dpa/NAN)