EFCC Arrests 14 Vote Buyers, Seizes N11m in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi; Armed Robbers Snatch N1.5m from APC Agents in Imo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has nabbed 14 people for allegedly buying and selling votes in the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

The anti-graft agency also recovered N11,040,000 from the suspects, as well as two vehicles used for the illegal transactions.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Saturday that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.

“A total sum of N11,040,000―comprising N9,310,00 intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730,000 intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State―were recovered from them.

“Also, two vehicles of the suspects were intercepted. They will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

However, the EFCC’s efforts to curb electoral malpractices were not enough to prevent a brazen robbery attack on some agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo state. According to reports, gunmen suspected to be armed robbers stormed the All Saints Anglican Church, Egbu, in the Owerri North Local Government Area, where they carted away N1.5 million meant for vote-buying during the election.

The robbers, who disguised as voters, opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and confusion among the policemen and journalists present. An eyewitness, Mr. Ekeocha, narrated how the robbers walked away with the money and escaped in their vehicles.

The incident disrupted the electoral process and raised questions about the security situation in the state.

Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that the Imo State Governorship Election was marred by vote-buying and intimidation, as many residents stayed away from the polls.

In some of the polling units, APC agents paid between N2,000 and N4,000 to voters who voted for incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The governor is facing a stiff challenge from his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, who is contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The election results are yet to be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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