The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two individuals identified as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others in possession of a large sum of money suspected to be intended for vote-buying.
The arrests occurred during the Federal Constituency by-election in Iperu Remo on Saturday.
Suspects Apprehended With Cash
The suspects, Toryem Joe-Stans and Mandara Aminat, along with their driver, were intercepted in a Mitsubishi Spacewagon with registration number LAGOS AKD 887 HT at approximately 12:45 am.
A patrol team attached to the Iperu Remo Division conducted the interception, according to police spokesperson Omolola Odutola.
Large Cash Recovered
Odutola stated, “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a cash sum of two million five hundred thousand naira (N2,500,000) from Mr. Joe-Stans Toryem.”
During interrogation, Joe-Stans reportedly confessed that the money was collected at Kehoy Hotel, Iperu, Ogun State, from a man he referred to as ‘Political Solution’ under the directive of his supervisor.
Video Evidence Circulates
Daily Post reported that a video showing the arrest of the INEC staff, a top Ogun politician, and three others with large sums of cash circulated in the early hours of Saturday.
In the video, a voice explains that the INEC official claimed he was instructed by his constituency supervisor to meet a politician at the hotel.
The politician immediately distanced himself, stating, “I don’t know anything about this money you’re talking about and I am still waiting for you (the police) to tell me why I am here.”
Investigation Ongoing
Odutola confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered the suspects to be transferred to the State CID in Eleweran for immediate and discreet investigation.
She assured the public that monitoring of the election is ongoing and that updates on the investigation will be provided.