Finally, INEC Announces 200 Electoral Offenders, 78 Bound for EFCC, ICPC

Finally, INEC Announces 200 Electoral Offenders, 78 Bound for EFCC, ICPC

  • No fewer than 200 electoral offenders will be up for arraignment in the coming weeks, INEC has confirmed
  • The electoral umpire made the announcement on Friday, April 14, during an interview with a news publication
  • It was also confirmed that 50 new cases had been transferred to the commission for immediate action

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the 200 names up for prosecution for offences bordering electoral violence and other related offence.

As reported by Punch, the list contains offenders apprehended by security operatives during the just-concluded general elections and gubernatorial elections.

INEC, EFCC, ICPC
The electoral commission confirmed that 50 more cases have been transferred by the police for judicial action after investigation. Photo: INEC
Source: Getty Images

It was also confirmed that at least 50 cases had been transferred to INEC to commence arraignment.

While giving updates on the latest development, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said:

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Read also

2023 presidential election: Reno Omokri begs Nigerians to help save democracy

“The commission has received over 50 case files from the police authorities. There are over 200 accused persons set for prosecution.
“The commission has directed its Litigation and Prosecution Department to study the files and advise it on the prosecution. The department has since commenced action and as soon as it finishes, it will revert to the commission accordingly.”

EFCC, ICPC speaks on development

On the other hand, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said 13 suspects are still in custody for a thorough investigation of allegations bordering on voter inducement during the state and national assembly polls.

Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said earlier in March that no fewer than 65 suspects are under investigation due to electoral-related offences during the election cycle.

Speaking on this development, the spokesperson of ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, on Friday, April 14 said:

“Investigations are ongoing concerning the arrested suspects. During the presidential elections, four vote buyers were arrested in Osun State with documents containing a list of names, phone numbers and account details of persons suspected to be voters.

Read also

Supplementary polls: CSO task INEC to restore electorates’ confidence

"One vote buyer was arrested in Ondo State with recharge cards worth N500 each, another vote buyer was arrested in Borno State with four PVCs, N49,000 and 20 pieces of wrappers."

Ogugua revealed that voter buyers were also arrested in Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Bauchi and Katsina.

25% of FCT Votes Needed to Win Presidential Election? INEC Reveals Official Position

In another development, INEC has restated its position in a legal document about the much talked about 25% votes in the FCT.

The electoral commission said the stipulation of 25% votes in FCT does not apply if a candidate meets all other requirements.

INEC played down the importance of the 25% votes in FCT in a counter-suit filed before the presidential election petition tribunal.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.