JUST IN: Again, ICPC Arrests Suspected Vote Buyers In Imo, Recover N4.1 Million

Some suspected vote buyers have been arrested in Imo State by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Naija News reports that the latest development makes the second arrest by the ICPC as its operatives monitor the off-cycle governorship election in the state.

In a statement released on Sunday morning, the ICPC said it arrested six suspected vote buyers at the 7 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.

Recovered from one of the suspects was a notebook containing names and telephone numbers and, from another, a long list with voters’ information.

The anti-graft agency said a sum of N4.1 million in cash was recovered from the suspects involved in the illegal practice.

Naija News reports that the ICPC and its sister agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were deployed in the state to monitor the election process and curtail the increasing incidence of vote buying.

“Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have arrested 6 persons during the election exercise in Imo State,” the statement read.

“The suspects were arrested at 7 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,” the statement added.