The South East Political Watchdog has issued a damning statement accusing Orashi Electricity Company Ltd of orchestrating the prolonged blackout across Imo State through alleged sabotage, unlawful force, and the destruction of federal electricity infrastructure.
In a detailed statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Charles Ogbu, the group said Orashi Electricity Company Ltd has repeatedly frustrated the operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Transpower Electricity Distribution Ltd, actions it claims now threaten federal investments and public safety.
According to the group, a shocking turning point occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when the company allegedly mobilised over 40 armed policemen to invade the TCN transmission station at Egbu.
“During the invasion, the operatives reportedly assaulted the operator on duty, forced him at gunpoint to shut down power supply, and allegedly abducted him. This reckless act plunged the entire Imo State into total darkness,” the statement alleged.
“What exactly are the intentions of Orashi Electricity Company Ltd?”
The organisation questioned what it described as a pattern of aggressive interference with federal power infrastructure:
“The constant damage to federal and distribution infrastructure has directly contributed to the prolonged blackout that has crippled homes, businesses, and essential services across Imo State.”
The group further accused Orashi Electricity Company Ltd of repeatedly destroying TCN and Transpower assets, noting that Transpower is 40% owned by the Federal Government, making the alleged attacks an assault on national assets.
Concern Over ‘Rushed’ Licence and Questionable Ownership
The South East Political Watchdog also raised serious concerns about how Orashi Electricity Company Ltd received its operating licence from the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC).
Records cited by the group show the company was registered on 28 May 2024 and granted a licence on 13 July 2024—only 46 days later.
“The speed at which ISERC approved the company’s operations suggests that due diligence was either compromised or completely ignored. A full investigation is unavoidable,” the group said.
The statement further questioned the ownership structure of the company, which lists four shareholders:
- Imo State Government – 5%
- Maureen Okorogu – 9.5%
- Ndukwe Frances – 59.85%
- Catherine Anumodu – 25.65%
The group argued that the profiles and known income of these individuals do not match the level of investment required to own a major electricity firm.
“Many members of the public are saying that Orashi Electricity Company Ltd may be a front for more powerful actors. The lack of transparency only deepens suspicion.”
It specifically questioned the role of Frances Oluchi Ndukwe, a British national said to be close to the Imo State Government.
Silence of the Imo State Government
The group expressed concern over what it called the “worrisome silence” of the state government:
“How can a private company repeatedly destroy assets of an organisation partly owned by the Federal Government, yet the State Government says nothing?”
It also noted that the company had previously been denied a licence by NERC, raising questions about why ISERC later issued one.
Calls for Federal Investigation
The South East Political Watchdog urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and national regulators to launch a full investigation to protect federal assets and prevent any private company from operating “above the law.”
“No private company should hold an entire state to ransom,” the group warned.
It also called on civil society groups to rise in defence of electricity consumers and ensure such incidents never recur.
