The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides in combating electoral fraud during the ongoing governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States. Operatives of the EFCC successfully arrested 14 suspected vote buyers in Otueke and Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State, as well as at various polling units in Imo and Kogi States.
The arrests, which took place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, were the result of intelligence-driven operations conducted over several days leading up to the elections. The EFCC acted swiftly to apprehend individuals involved in illegal vote-buying activities, thereby preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
In addition to the arrests, the EFCC seized a total sum of N11,040,000 (Eleven Million, Forty Thousand Naira) from the suspects. This included N9,310,000 (Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa State and N1,730,000 (One Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State. The recovered funds will be further investigated to trace the source and unravel the extent of the electoral fraud network.
Moreover, two vehicles believed to be connected to the suspects were intercepted during the operations, further bolstering the EFCC’s efforts to dismantle electoral fraud schemes.
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The arrested individuals will be thoroughly investigated, and upon the conclusion of the EFCC’s investigations, they will be charged in court. This demonstrates the EFCC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those involved in electoral malpractice face the consequences of their actions.
By swiftly addressing cases of vote buying and electoral fraud, the EFCC is sending a strong message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated. The agency’s proactive approach contributes to strengthening the electoral process, fostering transparency, and protecting the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.
