Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted human rights activist, Femi Falana, permission to initiate legal proceedings against Ikeja Electric Plc.
The judge specifically granted Falana leave to obtain a writ of mandamus compelling the electricity company to provide detailed information regarding its compliance with the commitment to supplying a minimum of 20 hours of uninterrupted power per day to the Band “A” category of customers.
The judge’s decision followed an urgent ex-parte application filed and argued by a lawyer, Tope Alabi, from Falana & Falana Chambers.
The motion was backed by a 14-paragraph affidavit sworn by a legal officer from the NBA Ikeja, Titilayo Omolasho.
The affidavit stated that in April 2024, Ikeja Electric Plc categorised customers into bands – Bands “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D” – and began implementing these categories immediately, along with corresponding high tariffs.
Omolasho also claimed that Falana was placed in Band “A,” which had a financial implication of N225 per kWh, later reduced to N206.80 per kWh on May 6, 2024.
She also argued that since initiating the Band “A” classification and committing to provide 20 hours of uninterrupted power supply per day, Ikeja Electric has failed to deliver this service.
Omolasho further stated in the affidavit that Falana had requested information from the company in a letter dated May 24, 2024, regarding compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive to provide 20 hours of electricity to Band “A” customers.
She claimed that the respondent has since failed, refused or neglected to provide the requested detailed information and has given no reason for this refusal till the time of filing this report.
