Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has arrested 20 suspects linked to vote buying and other electoral offences during the just-concluded FCT local government elections, with over ₦17 million traced to the illegal activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said its operatives carried out the arrests across several parts of Abuja during Saturday’s council polls, targeting individuals accused of obstructing election officials, buying and selling votes, and other electoral violations.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, one of the most striking arrests was made in Kwali Area Council, where a suspect was caught with ₦13.5 million inside a vehicle parked close to a polling unit—raising strong suspicions of vote-buying operations.
The breakdown of arrests shows that nine suspects were picked up in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, four in Kwali, and two in Abaji, highlighting the scale of enforcement across multiple area councils.
In total, the EFCC said it recovered about ₦17,218,700 linked to the alleged offences, reinforcing concerns about the role of money in influencing Nigeria’s electoral process.
The commission confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that all suspects would be prosecuted once inquiries are concluded.
The arrests signal a tougher stance by anti-corruption authorities against electoral malpractice, especially as Nigeria prepares for future elections where credibility and transparency remain key concerns.
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