Court sends Edo man to prison for assaulting BEDC staff

By Jethro Ibileke

A Benin City Chief Magistrate Court 2, sitting in Oredo local government area of Edo State, has remanded one Oghomwentiti Best Uwagboe, for allegedly attacking an official of the BEDC Electricity Plc during an official assignment.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when a female official of BEDC (name withheld), visited the residence of the suspect to perform her legitimate assignment.

In the course of the operation, Uwagboe allegedly became violent, and unlawfully assaulted and damaged the phone of the BEDC staff.

In a bid to escape, the BEDC staff who reportedly fell and sustained injuries, was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect, and was subsequently charged to court.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to all charges preferred against him.

The Chief Magistrate who granted the suspect bail, ordered his remand in prison custody pending the fulfilment of his bail terms.

The case has been adjourned till March 31, 2026, for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the Regional Head (Benin South Region) of BEDC, Henry Onovwaka, has warned that the electricity distribution company is taking the matter seriously and may pursue civil action for damages caused to serve as deterrent to members of the public assaulting its staff.