Crime
INEC Staff, PDP Chieftains In Trouble As Police Uncover Vote-Buying Cash In Ogun
Security operatives in Ogun State have arrested some officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside two staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after they were reportedly found with a large amount of money at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.
The incident, which came to light through a viral video on Saturday, showed the suspects including a male and female INEC officer being grilled by security personnel.
The interrogator alleged that intelligence had revealed the INEC officials were handed money by PDP members to influence the ongoing by-election in the Remo Federal Constituency.
During questioning, the male INEC officer confessed that his superior had directed him to collect cash from the politicians. But one of the PDP members filmed in the clip rejected any connection to the money, saying: “You are just showing money; I don’t know anything about it.”
SEE MORE: Adebutu On Trial Over Money Laundering, Vote Buying Charges
The PDP, however, insists the arrests were orchestrated to intimidate its members. The party’s Director of Media and Communications, Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, in a statement, said one of its top officers was picked up around 3:30am in what he described as a “commando-style operation.”
Bankole explained that the party chieftain was inside his hotel room with his driver and aide when operatives stormed the premises. He maintained that no election-related items or huge sums were discovered.
“He had only ₦100,000 in his room. No electoral material was discovered in his hotel room or car. It is part of a grand plan to scare our people and disenfranchise them. This is unfortunate and shameful in a democracy,” Bankole stressed.
He further disassociated the PDP officer from the arrested INEC staff, stating: “He does not know the INEC staff arrested. It is practically impossible for him to lodge in the same hotel room with an INEC official. He was only carrying out his responsibility as the state officer of the party under whose watch this election is being conducted.”
The PDP has demanded his immediate release, warning that attempts to silence opposition voices in the election would not succeed.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the command was aware of the arrests and was looking into the matter.
“We are investigating the matter. That’s how much I can say for now. You may please call back later in the day for further information,” Ogunlowo told reporters.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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