In a significant development during Nigeria’s Remo Federal Constituency by-election, authorities in Ogun State arrested two officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several others on suspicion of orchestrating a vote-buying scheme. The arrests, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Iperu Remo, follow heightened scrutiny over electoral integrity in the state.
According to police reports, a patrol team intercepted a Mitsubishi Spacewagon with Lagos registration number AKD 887 HT around 12:45 a.m. The vehicle carried INEC staff members Toryem Joe-Stans and Mandara Aminat, alongside a driver, and was found to contain ₦2.5 million (approximately $1,900 USD) in cash. Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed that Joe-Stans allegedly admitted during questioning that the funds were collected from an individual nicknamed “Political Solution” at Kehoy Hotel in Iperu, acting on instructions from his supervisor.
A widely circulated video of the incident, shared by local outlet Media Talk Africa, corroborates details of the arrests, showing the suspects alongside an unnamed high-profile politician from Ogun State. In the footage, a voiceover claims that Joe-Stans had been directed by a supervisor to meet the politician at the hotel. However, the politician explicitly denied involvement, stating, “I don’t know anything about this money,” and challenging officers to clarify his presence at the scene.
The Ogun State Police Commissioner, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered the transfer of all suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran for further inquiry. Odutola emphasized that the investigation would be conducted “discreetly” and assured the public of ongoing election monitoring. While the outcome remains pending, the case has reignited concerns about the persistence of vote-buying in Nigerian elections, a practice criticized for undermining democratic processes.
The incident underscores the challenges of curbing electoral malpractice, particularly during tightly contested polls. As investigations proceed, stakeholders are demanding accountability for individuals implicated in attempts to influence voter decisions through illicit means. Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of additional suspects or the political affiliations linked to the case.
