The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, a Nigerian electricity distribution firm responsible for power supply across parts of South West Nigeria, has issued a public warning to customers over fraudulent text messages falsely claiming to offer electricity bill refunds.
The company said the deceptive messages, which have been circulating widely on various mobile networks, are designed to impersonate the utility provider and lure unsuspecting customers into clicking harmful internet links. According to the company, the messages often appear to come from a sender identity labeled “FROM: IBEDC,” giving them a false sense of legitimacy.
Okay News reports that the Management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc released a formal disclaimer on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, after receiving multiple reports from customers who had encountered the suspicious messages.
“The attention of IBEDC has been drawn to SMS messages claiming that customers’ utility bills have been recalculated and that a refund is available. We wish to categorically state that IBEDC is not conducting any refund exercise through that website or any similar third-party link,” the management said in the statement.
The power distribution company clarified that it is not running any form of mass electricity bill refund at this time. It specifically identified the website “www.infodhe.online” as a phishing platform being used by fraudsters to steal sensitive customer information.
“The SMS in circulation did not originate from IBEDC, does not represent our processes, and is not linked to any of our approved platforms or channels,” the company further explained.
The electricity distributor urged customers within its franchise areas, which include Oyo State, Ogun State, Osun State, and parts of Kwara State in South West Nigeria, to remain vigilant and protect their personal and financial information.
“Customers are strongly advised to ignore and delete any SMS claiming refunds and are warned strictly against clicking the provided links,” the statement said.
The company also warned customers not to disclose confidential banking or personal information to unknown websites or callers. “Individuals should not disclose their banking details, card information, Bank Verification Number, One Time Passwords, passwords, or any personal data to these websites or to unknown callers claiming to be from the utility provider,” the management emphasised.
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc noted that all legitimate transactions, including electricity purchases, account inquiries, and any authorised refunds, are only carried out through official channels such as iRecharge platforms, accredited payment agents, and the company’s business offices.
“All legitimate transactions should only be conducted through IBEDC’s authorised platforms. We encourage the public to report any suspicious SMS, calls, or websites using the company’s name to our customer care channels immediately,” the management stated.
The company concluded by warning that it would not be held responsible for any financial losses suffered by customers who engage with unauthorised platforms or fraudulent individuals falsely claiming to represent the firm.
“IBEDC will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from transactions or interactions conducted through unauthorised, third-party, or fraudulent platforms falsely claiming to represent the company,” the statement concluded.
Customers seeking clarification or verification of information were advised to contact the company through its official customer care lines or verified social media platforms.
