Anti-graft agency deploys tactical teams to hunt for vote buyers in the 36 states and FCT
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday said it intercepted N32. 4 million meant for vote buying in Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency while refusing to name the suspect and location where the crime was busted, however, said the suspect was already undergoing interrogation.
It urged all staff deployed for election monitoring duties to show courage and not bow to unscrupulous elements.
EFCC, which made the disclosure in a statement on its verified twitter handle, @officialEFCC, said the Commission’s tactical teams have been sent to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement titled, “EFCC Intercepts N32.4m Allegedly Meant for Vote-buying in Lagos,” reads:
“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 suspect involved has been taken into custody for further questioning.
“The Chairman of the Commission, 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
“Details of the number are available on EFCC social media platforms.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC 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 handles.”