Police launch probe into suspected arson that destroyed ₦10 million worth of prepaid meters at an Okitipupa warehouse linked to the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme.
OndoArsonInvestigation has drawn public concern after the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack that razed a warehouse belonging to a government-accredited meter supplier in Okitipupa, destroying prepaid electricity meters valued at over ₦10 million.
The warehouse, located along Barracks Road, was completely gutted by fire in the early hours of Monday, with no items salvaged from the facility.
Police Confirm Investigation
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said in a statement on Thursday, October 30, that the command had begun a full-scale investigation into the suspected arson.
He described the act as “a grievous offence”, vowing that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted.
Warehouse Linked to O’Datiwa Metering Scheme
The affected warehouse belongs to Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, one of the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) approved by the Ondo State Government under the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme—an initiative introduced by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to end estimated billing and promote prepaid metering across the state.
Reports indicate that the fire destroyed over 100 units of Active Energy Prepaid Meters, each valued at tens of thousands of naira, with the total loss exceeding ₦10 million.
Residents in the area were said to have been helpless as the flames spread rapidly before firefighters could arrive.
“A Deliberate Act of Sabotage” — Company MD
The Managing Director of Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, Henry Akinbola-Oyinbo, described the fire as a deliberate act of sabotage, ruling out the possibility of an accidental cause.
He called the incident “devastating”, alleging that it was aimed at frustrating the state government’s efforts to improve power access and transparency in electricity billing.
Akinbola-Oyinbo urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover those behind the attack.
Investigation Ongoing
As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that no arrests had been made, but assured residents that investigations were ongoing.
The O’Datiwa Metering Scheme, launched earlier this year, remains one of the flagship initiatives of the Aiyedatiwa administration, aimed at promoting accountability in energy consumption, reducing estimated billing, and supporting local suppliers of prepaid meters across Ondo communities.