By Ghazali Ibrahim
Residents of over 20 densely populated communities in Lagos have accused Ikeja Electric of plunging them into prolonged darkness following an accident that damaged a concrete electricity pole.
According to a video obtained by BlackBox Nigeria, different allegations circulating within the affected areas, at least 24 communities served by 14 transformers have been without power after a vehicle reportedly rammed into a pole at Oriwu while attempting to escape from suspected armed robbers later identified by residents as heavily armed policemen in mufti.
Community sources claim the officers were driving against traffic in an unmarked vehicle, while the car involved in the accident was said to be on the correct lane when the incident occurred.
Residents further alleged that despite the circumstances surrounding the crash, the electricity distribution company has demanded payments before restoring supply, with claims that N1.5 million has already been collected from the vehicle owner linked to the accident.
The situation, they say, has left thousands of residents and businesses in darkness, raising concerns over what many describe as “collective punishment” and exploitation.
In another video obtained by BlackBox Nigeria, Barrister Shakiru Omolaja, a concerned resident alongside other representatives of the affected areas claimed that the electric distribution company failed to honor their words after allegedly collecting substantial amount of money for repairs while demanding authorization from authorities before they can fix it.
He also stressed on little or no efforts made by the distribution company ever since the incident happened. He however called on planned protest to the office if nothing is done within the time given.
These specific claims were not without evidence as details of the letter sent by Ikeja Electric and transactional proof by the alleged man was seen by BlackBox Nigeria.
Similar incidents have been reported in Lagos, where communities accused the company of disconnecting transformers or delaying repairs despite payments.
In one such case, residents of an igando community protested after their transformer was disconnected for weeks despite the man who destroyed it had sent money for repairs, describing the action as “unfair and exploitative.”
Elsewhere, multiple communities have also staged protests over prolonged blackouts, accusing the company of forcing residents to bear the cost of transformer repairs and infrastructure maintenance.
Nigeria’s electricity regulations place responsibility for network maintenance and expansion on distribution companies, although community-funded interventions have become common due to infrastructure gaps.
The latest allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny of power distribution companies, already under pressure over billing practices, service delivery, and infrastructure challenges affecting millions of customers.
Efforts to reach Ikeja Electric for official response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
For now, affected residents say they remain in darkness demanding urgent intervention and accountability as frustration continues to mount.
