TheCable

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested three persons for alleged vote buying during the by-election in Sokoto state.

In a statement on Saturday, ICPC said the suspects aged 37, 38 and 48 respectively, were caught in a polling unit in the Yabo/Shagari federal constituency, with over three million naira in cash.

“Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have today arrested 3 persons suspected to be vote buyers in Sokoto State during the by-elections monitoring exercise,” the statement reads.

“3 males aged 48, 37 and 38 were caught in a polling unit of Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in Sokoto State  with the sum of N3,105,400 within the voting premises.

“All the suspects have been taken into the custody of the Commission and investigations have commenced. ICPC will work with INEC in the prosecution of the cases.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted by-elections and rerun polls in 26 states on Saturday, February 3.

The by-elections were a result of the death or resignation of members of the national and state assemblies, while rerun polls were those ordered by the court. 

The elections held in 80 LGAs across 575 registration areas and 8,934 polling units.