The police have nabbed two individuals in possession of 468 Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
This was contained in a statement by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Sunday.
Okoye said one of the suspects identified as Nasiru Idris, was caught with 101 PVCs in Sokoto State and another whose name was not disclosed was found with 367 PVCs in Kano State.
The statement said that the act was a breach of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the statement, the offenders were presently receiving their due punishment.
The statement partly read, “In the last couple of weeks, the Nigeria Police has arrested some individuals found to be in illegal possession of voter cards in some States of the Federation.
“In one case, the Police have concluded investigations and handed over the case file to the Commission, resulting in the successful prosecution of one Nasiru Idris at a Magistrate Court in Sokoto who was found to be in possession of 101 PVCs in contravention of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2022. He has been sentenced to a year in prison.
“Similarly, the Police in Kano State have arrested a man who was found to be in possession of 367 PVCs. The suspect has been charged to court and the Commission is pursuing his prosecution.
See Also: INEC Uncovers 2.7 Million Unqualified Registered Voters In Kano
“The Commission wishes to reiterate that it will continue to pursue all violators of the Electoral Act and ensure their diligent prosecution.”
Giving an update on the PVC collection, the commissioner explained, “Following the end of the statutory period for the display of the register of voters for claims and objections, the Commission is determined to make the collection of PVCs as seamless as possible.
“A standard operating procedure has been developed. This will be among the issues to be discussed and finalised at a retreat holding in Lagos from 28th November to 2nd December 2022 involving all the Resident Electoral Commissioners.
“At the end of the retreat, the Commission will release the dates as well as the detailed procedure for the immediate collection of PVCs nationwide.
Source: Punch
- Gov Alex Otti Reacts To Tribunal Judgment - October 7, 2023
- Fake Credentials: Soyinka Dares Accusers To Prove Allegations - October 7, 2023
- Ukraine Vow To Shun UEFA Competitions Featuring Russian Teams - September 27, 2023
