EFCC Arrests 20 For ‘Vote Buying’ During FCT Election
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 20 suspects over alleged
vote buying and other electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council
elections.
The arrests followed incidents recorded across multiple area councils in Abuja, where the anti-graft
agency said it intercepted cash and individuals linked to illicit election practices. The commission
disclosed that a total of over ₦17 million was recovered in connection with the offences.
According to details released by the agency, the suspects were apprehended for offences including vote
buying, vote selling, and obstruction of electoral officials. The arrests were made in locations such as
Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali during the council polls.
The EFCC further stated that one of the suspects was found with ₦13.5 million in a vehicle parked near a
polling unit, highlighting the scale of cash allegedly deployed for inducement during the exercise.
The commission noted that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court
upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries.
The development comes amid broader concerns about electoral malpractice during the FCT elections,
where reports of vote trading and voter inducement surfaced in several polling units.
Authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had earlier warned against
vote buying and directed security and anti-corruption agencies to enforce compliance during the polls.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
