In a significant development during the election proceedings in Imo State, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) apprehended six individuals suspected of engaging in vote-buying activities.
In a statement released on its X account, the Commission disclosed that the individuals were apprehended at seven polling units: Orji Mechanic Village (PU 008), Concord Hotel (PU 009), Rento Hotel (PU 010), Township School (PU 005, 007, 008), and Ojukwu Library.
A total sum of N4,101,750 was recovered from the suspects, reflecting the extent of their alleged involvement in illicit electoral practices. Notably, the seized items included a notebook containing names and telephone numbers, as well as a comprehensive list of voters’ information discovered on two of the suspects.
Following their apprehension, all suspects were taken into custody and subjected to profiling. Their statements were recorded under caution as part of the ongoing investigation into the matter. Despite being released on bail, the ICPC emphasized that inquiries into the incident continues.
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The statement read, “Election: ICPC Arrests 6 Suspected Vote Buyers in Imo State Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have arrested six persons during the election exercise in Imo State.
“The suspects were arrested at seven polling units at Orji Mechanic Village (PU 008), Concord Hotel (PU 009), Rento Hotel (PU 010), Township School (PU 005, 007, 008), and Ojukwu Library, and a total of N4,101,750 was recovered from them.
“Also recovered from one of the suspects was a notebook containing names and telephone numbers and, from another, a long list with voters’ information. All the suspects were taken into custody, profiled, and had their statements taken under caution.
“They have since been released on bail even as investigations continue,” they added.