INEC official arrested in Rivers for demanding bribes before releasing PVCs to eligible voters

Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have arrested a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly extorting eligible voters in Rivers State.

A spokesperson for INEC in Rivers state, Geraldine Ekelemu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, said that the staff, a security guard, was arrested for allegedly extorting unsuspecting members of the public.

Ekelemu, who did not reveal the staff’s name, noted that INEC has zero tolerance for acts of extortion by its staff, adding that the electoral body would ensure the SSS conducts a thorough investigation.
She advised members of the public to avoid acts of desperation that could render them vulnerable to fraudsters.

According to Peoples Gazette, the INEC staff had been extorting those visiting the commission’s office to register for the ongoing Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC).

The arrested INEC staff was attached to the commission’s office in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.