The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorised disclosure of voter information from INEC’s database, leading to the detention of an electoral official and the questioning of Lere Olayinka.
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its investigation into the alleged unauthorised access and release of sensitive voter information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a development that has resulted in the detention of an electoral official and the interrogation of Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to reports, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team are examining allegations bordering on misuse of INEC’s database, cyber-related offences and the circulation of classified electoral records. As part of the investigation, an unnamed INEC official was taken into custody while Olayinka was questioned at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The controversy emerged after screenshots allegedly showing voter registration transfer details relating to Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike surfaced online. Questions subsequently arose regarding how the information was obtained and whether it originated from restricted sections of INEC’s voter registration system.
INEC has maintained that its system was not hacked, stating instead that preliminary findings pointed to the misuse of authorised internal access credentials. The commission said it had commenced its own investigation while the Department of State Services (DSS) also opened a parallel probe into the incident.
Investigators are reportedly examining the circumstances surrounding the disclosure and considering possible legal actions against those involved as inquiries continue.