The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals on charges of alleged vote buying during the recent governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

The arrests, part of pre-election intelligence-driven operations, were conducted across various voting centers in the three states.

During the operations, a significant sum of cash amounting to N11.04 million was seized from the suspects. Of this amount, N9.31 million was intercepted in Bayelsa, while N1.73 million was confiscated in Imo.

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The suspects, mostly apprehended around polling units and venues identified as vote trading centers, also had two vehicles impounded.

The EFCC has emphasized that the detained individuals will face charges in court once investigations are concluded.

These actions are part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat electoral malpractices, particularly vote buying, with the aim of preserving the integrity of the off-cycle governorship elections.

The EFCC stated in a released statement, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 suspected vote buyers in Otuoke, 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.

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Also, a total sum of N11,040,000 comprising N9,310,000 intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730,000 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.”