EFCC busts vote-buying syndicate, seizes 11 million naira in cash

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of suspected vote buyers found in possession of 11 million naira in cash during the recently held governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.

In a statement released on Saturday, EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, revealed that a total of 14 suspects were apprehended in connection to the alleged act across the three states.

According to Oyewale, the arrests took place in Otueke and Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State, as well as various polling units in Imo and Kogi states. Out of the seized N11,040,000, it was specified that N9.3 million was confiscated from vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa State, while N1.73 million was recovered from other suspects in Imo State.

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The statement reads: “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.”

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