Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday impounded N32.4 million new notes suspected to be meant for vote buying in Lagos.
Mr. Wilson Uwujaren the spokesperson of the EFCC who disclosed this in a statement also said a suspect was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
“The chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has implored all personnel of the commission deployed for election monitoring duties to show courage and not give room for unscrupulous persons to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.
“Tactical team of operatives are currently on ground in all the states of the federation and the FCT. Telephone hotlines have already been circulated through social media for members of the public to share information regarding financial malpractices with agents of the Commission (Sic).
“Details of the number are available on EFCC social media platforms. Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store,” Uwujaren wrote.
In Rivers State, the police command announced the arrest of a member of the house of representatives, Mr. Chinyere Igwe, with $498, 000. The lawmaker is a campaigner of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Atiku Abubakar.
Spokesperson for the command, Ms Grace Iringe-Koko, the legislator who represents Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency stuffed the money in a bag in his car.
“Police officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road, today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.
“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money. The AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court. The command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws,” Iringe-Koko said.
