PHOTO: EFCC Seizes N32.4m Allegedly Meant For Vote-buying In Lagos

• The EFCC said the suspect is in custody.

• The commission alleged that the cash found on the suspect was meant for vote-buying.

• The presidential and national assembly elections are holding tomorrow, February 25, 2023.

Eko Hot Blog reports that operatives of the Lagos State Zonal Command of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have intercepted N32.4 million suspected to be for vote-buying in the state.

The interception comes hours before the presidential and national assembly elections in Lagos.

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In a statement issued Friday afternoon, EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the operation was aimed at deterring vote trading ahead of the elections.

Uwujaren said the suspect who held the money is in the commission’s custody for further questioning. He did not state the suspect’s political party.

“The massive operation by the EFCC to deter vote trading and other financial malfeasance ahead of tomorrow’s presidential and national assembly elections may have begun paying dividends with the interception in Lagos of the sum of N32,400,000 (Thirty-two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) allegedly suspected to be used for vote buying in Lagos. The recovery was made by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Commission,” the statement reads.

“The suspect involved has been taken into custody for further questioning.”

The statement noted that the Chairman of the EFCC, 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 teams 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,” the anti-graft agency said.

“Details of the number are available on EFCC social media platforms.”

The EFCC urged members of the public to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the the commission’s financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store.

“They can also reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, info@efcc.gov.ng,” the statement added.

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The arrest in Lagos comes hours after the police in Rivers State nabbed a federal lawmaker and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with nearly $500,000 cash.

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