EFCC Intercepts N32.4m New Naira Notes Allegedly Meant for Vote Buying in Lagos

EFCC Intercepts N32.4m New Naira Notes Allegedly Meant for Vote Buying in Lagos

  • The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has seized N32.4 million new naira notes in Lagos
  • The commission alleges that the money could have been earmarked for vote buying during the presidential and national assembly elections
  • The EFCC's findings are part of its efforts towards the ongoing campaign to prevent financial crimes and ensure a free and fair electoral process

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted N32.4 million new naira notes in Lagos, allegedly intended for vote buying.

The recovery was made by the EFCC's operatives, who were monitoring the financial activities of suspicious individuals and groups.

The EFCC suspects that the money was meant to be used to influence the electoral process in Lagos.

EFCC discovers new naira notes vote buying
EFCC discovers millions of new naira notes claimed to be for vote buying. Photo credit: EFCC
Source: Facebook

In a statement on its social media platforms, EFCC said those involved were taken into custody for further questioning.

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2023 elections: EFCC intercepts N32.4m meant for vote-buying in Lagos

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Part of the statement reads:

"The EFCC is investigating the matter to determine the source of the funds and any other individuals or groups involved in the alleged vote-buying scheme."

EFCC charges electorates

The chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has urged all personnel deployed to election monitoring duties to remain vigilant and show courage in the face of unscrupulous individuals attempting to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.

He said:

"Tactical teams of operatives are currently on the ground in all the states of the federation and the FCT, with telephone hotlines available for members of the public to share information regarding financial malpractices with agents of the Commission.

The EFCC has also implored members of the public to report anyone attempting to buy or sell votes to the commission through the EFCC's financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on Google Play or Apple store.

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Nigerians React

Gabriel Oware wrote:

"The bank manager should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly while the bank should be sanction."

@Kunle also wrote:

"The money is coming out. These people for months hide the money now they will use the money to buy votes."

Court Seizes Multi-Billion Properties of APC Governor Dragging Buhari to S’Court Over Naira Redesign

In another development, emerging reports have confirmed a court ruling ordering the seizure of some assets linked to the Kogi state government.

The assets were reported to have been uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was gathered that the assets comprise local and foreign properties in Abuja, Lagos and Dubai.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.