The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) allegedly invaded the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) and its Oshodi business unit on Thursday, March 6, 2025, following a dispute over power disconnection to the NAF base in Lagos.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, saw uniformed Air Force officers forcefully entering IKEDC premises, demanding immediate reconnection to the power grid. Eyewitnesses reported that when their demands were not met, the officers resorted to violence, causing significant damage to property and disrupting operations.
Approximately 12 NAF personnel from the Logistics Command in Ikeja were involved in the invasion.
The attackers reportedly assaulted IKEDC staff, with about 15 employees, including the Oshodi Business Unit’s Commercial Manager, allegedly battered and arrested.
Personal belongings of staff, such as phones and laptops, as well as company vehicles and office equipment, were allegedly destroyed during the rampage.
The situation took a dire turn when the officers allegedly searched for and located Mrs. Folake Soetan, the Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric. Reports indicate that she was physically assaulted and forcibly removed from the premises in a vehicle. While the extent of her injuries remains unclear, sources suggest she was later released following intervention from security operatives.
The conflict stems from IKEDC’s disconnection of power to the NAF base in Lagos, reportedly due to unpaid electricity bills amounting to approximately ₦4 billion13. An agreement had previously been reached for NAF to pay IKEDC ₦60 million monthly for 10-12 hours of daily electricity supply.
IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, stated that the disconnection was not solely due to financial reasons but also because of other operational concerns, including safety issues for IKEDC personnel.
The Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun, described the invasion as “unfortunate”. However, official statements from both NAF and IKEDC are still pending, as efforts to reach their spokespersons have been unsuccessful.
The incident has raised serious questions about the relationship between military institutions and public utility providers, as well as the appropriate channels for resolving such disputes.
