Suspected vote buyers arrested with N11 million during governorship polls - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said its operatives have arrested suspected vote buyers with N11 million cash during Saturday's governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states.

EFCC's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement that 14 suspects were arrested in connection to the allegation.

He said they were arrested in Otueke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State, and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi states.

According to the statement, of the total N11,040,000 intercepted, N9.3 million (N9,310,000) was seized from vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa State, and N1.73 million (N1,730, 000) from other suspects across Imo State.

It said the suspects would soon be charged in court.

EFCC PRESS RELEASE IN FULL:

EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Vote Buyers in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi States
.... Intercepts N11,040,000

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 (Fourteen) suspected vote buyers in Otueke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi States.

They were arrested on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in intelligence-driven operations that commenced several days before the ongoing governorship elections in the three states.

Also, a total sum of N11,040, 000( Eleven Million, Forty Thousand Naira only) comprising N9,310,00( Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730, 000( One Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State, were also recovered from them.

Also, two vehicles were intercepted from the suspects.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Dele Oyewale

Head, Media & Publicity