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Tag: bribe

  • Alleged N23b bribe: 200 INEC officials face panel

    Ex-REC seeks permission to go on medical trip

    No fewer than 200 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials have been queried for allegedly collecting bribe during the 2015 elections.

    About N23.29billion was allegedly paid out to INEC officials in a desperate bid to change the results of the election, which President Muhammadu Buhari won. The cash, according to investigators, came from former Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    A panel headed by National Commissioner Baba Shetiima Arfo is investigating the alleged involvement of some INEC employees in the scam.

    Apart from internal sanctions by INEC, those found wanting after the probe  are to be released to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

    One of those under interrogation for the scam, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Gesil Khan, has applied to travel abroad for medical care.

    Khan is under investigation by the EFCC for allegedly collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe.

    The anti-graft agency is weighing whether to release her seized travel document or not, because some suspects have hidden under medical trips to escape trial.

    Alison-Madueke is under EFCC probe over her  alleged involvement in the $115m (N23, 299,705, 000 billion) scandal.

    Four oil firms, 14 directors of oil companies, two banks, two RECs, more than 16 INEC directors and 82 others are also under investigation.

    INEC is considering a report sent to it by the EFCC.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “About 200 INEC employees who have been implicated in one way or the other in the poll bribery scandal have so far been queried.

    “The queries were based on the report of the investigation, which was conducted by the EFCC.”

    Besides, a panel headed by a National Commissioner, Alh. Baba Shetiima Arfo, is grilling  all the affected employees – in line with the extant public service rules.

    “It is after the panel has concluded its work that a disciplinary action will be taken against the guilty ones. Thereafter, the EFCC will proceed with the trial of those with cases to answer,” the source said, adding:

    “It is too early to conclude that all the 200 employees will face trial. They are only going through an internal fact-finding process in INEC.”

    The source added: “The panel is actually taking on the implicated employees based on the six geopolitical zones.

    “These employees, after answering queries, have been coming to the INEC headquarters to appear before the panel.”

    An EFCC source said the agency was ready for the trial of some of the suspects, but “it needs to allow INEC to conclude its internal process”.

    “Some suspects acted in connivance with INEC employees and you cannot isolate the cases at hand,” the source said, pleading not to be named so as not to jeopardise the investigation.

    INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Wole Osaze-Uzzi said: “A panel is sitting but I cannot confirm the total number of people involved. But all those involved will be dealt with administratively without prejudice to what the law enforcement agencies will do.”

    But the fate of a serving Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sylvester Ezeani, may be determined by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Neither INEC chairman nor the panel can take any disciplinary action against a REC.

    Section 3 of INEC Establishment Act says:

    (1)    “ The chairman and members of the Commission shall each hold office for a period of five years and on such terms and conditions as may be specified in their letters of appointment.

    (2)    “ A member may at any time be removed from office by the President for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for any act of misconduct but shall not be removed from office except in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

    (3)     ”A member may resign his membership by notice in writing addressed to the President and that member shall, on the date of the receipt of the notice by the President, cease to be a member.”

    Khan’s application to EFCC to travel abroad for medical care came when her investigation was said to have reached “an  advanced stage for trial”.

    The EFCC source added: “At a time we are set for ex-REC Gesil Khan’s trial, we got an application from her to travel abroad for medical care. She wanted the commission to release her passport.

    “Our medical team will go through her records and make appropriate recommendations upon which the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, will exercise his discretion.

    “We may also give her conditions, including being on surveillance by collaborating agencies in whichever country she is travelling to. We have had instances where some suspects who were allowed to travel abroad did not come back.”

    Some INEC officers already grilled by EFCC are the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abia State, Sylvester Ezeani, who has refunded N20million credited to him from the poll cash;  Khan for collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe deal; Fidelia Omoile( Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)—N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown( INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)—N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River state, Edem Okon Effanga—N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo—N214,127,000.

    Also, a retired INEC official, Sani Isa  was grilled over alleged N 406,206,000 bribe allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased Resident Electoral Commissioner  (REC), in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

    Those grilled in Gombe are: Godwin Maiyaki Gambo Balanga, Bukar Alone Benisheik, Dukku, Jibril. B. Muhammed,Billiri, Dunguma Musa Dogona, Funakaye, Mohammed. A. Wanka, Kaltungo, Ishaku Yusuf, Kwami, Suleiman Isawa, Nafada, Babagana Malami, Shongom, and Nuhu Samuel, Y/Deba.

     

  • Five Police officers rewarded for rejecting assassins’ bribe

    The Ogun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has rewarded five police officers serving in the state for intercepting and arresting suspected assassins – Chigozie Nworie and Kingsley Ofotele, fleeing to Anambra state after a botched assassination bid on a Lagos based businessman, Mr Tochukwu Onyebuchi.

    Announcing the reward which comprised of Letter of Commendation and cash gift for each of the officers at the Police Officers’ Mess, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, on Saturday, the Chairman of PCRC in Ogun, Alh. Ibraheem Olaniyan, said the officers were honoured for their “patriotism, professionalism and shunning  bribe to save the life and property of a crime victim.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, also said the officers acted in the spirit of the new mantra to the effect that ‘Change begins with me’ of the government at the centre.

    The beneficiary – officers including Afoloyan Sunday attached to the Highway unit of the force,  turned down the N53,000:00 bribe offered them by Chigozie Nworie and Kingsley Ofotele, last October 20 when they stopped them at the Ijebu – Ode stretch of the Sagamu – Ore expressway for a search while escaping with their victim’s Range Rover Jeep – a Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV).

    The two suspects and another yet to be apprehended, attacked their victim, Mr Tochukwu Onyebuchi, in his Compound at Ajah area of Lagos State using cutlass and rods before pouring acid on him, but Tochukwu survived the assassination.

    The suspects were allegedly hired by the victim’s wife, Oluchi Onyebuchi, to eliminate him and provided the weapons used by the suspects.

    The 32 years old Oluchi, a banker and who is now standing trial before a magistrate court in Lagos, in connection with the crime, allegedly arranged for the cutlass, Iron rod and acid used by the suspects and kept them somewhere in the husband’s compound in Lagos after she had described where the weapons were kept to the assailants.

    One of the honoured officer, Afoloyan Sunday, who expressed happiness for being rewarded for doing his job well, said the honour attested to the fact the eyes are watching everyone for any good or evil done by one.

    Afoloyan said he and colleagues shunned the N53,000 bribe offered them by the suspects and elected to do their work professionally not knowing that they were helping to save life but also to foil of the theft of the victim’s vehicle worth millions of naira.

    “On that fateful day, we stopped the jeep they were driving and asked them to come down. We saw that the side mirror was shattered and one the boys had bruises.

    “So, we became more curious and while searching the vehicle, blood stain was seen and the two the suspects were unable to give satisfactory account of themselves and we arrested them.

    “We saw many call cards from the jeep and made phone calls to numbers on the cards, and got to know that there was an attack on somebody.

    “Further calls revealed the victim and from there we got the assurance that we  had suspects in our hands and further investigation led to the arrest of a woman connected to the crime,” Afoloyan said.

  • Don’t collect bribe, NYSC DG warns

    Don’t collect bribe, NYSC DG warns

    The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Brig Gen. Sule Zakari Kazaure, yesterday warned corp members to shun all forms of financial and materials inducement from politicians during Saturday’s election.
    The NYSC boss told the corp members, who are expected to serve as Ad-Hoc staff at the various local governments, to remain neutral.
    Kazaure, who urged them to show high level of maturity and neutrality throughout the exercise, assured them of their safety before, during and after the election.
    Kazaure spoke during his visit to the state capital, Akure.
    “Don’t be partisan. Shun all forms of all material gifts from the politicians. Resist all their plans to induce you. Don’t eat from these politicians. Don’t take anything from anybody. Don’t use vehicles that are not provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
    “On that day, be well kitted in your uniform. I want you to be well dressed. If there is a problem, don’t hesitate to secure your life first. Make yourself safe first before any other thing.”

  • Police quiz ACP over N2.7m bribe cash

    Police quiz ACP over N2.7m bribe cash

    There will be no cover-up in the case of the Assistant Commissioner of Police arrested with N2.7 million bribe cash, the Police said yesterday.

    The Head, Compliant Response Unit (CRU), Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

    Abayomi Shogunle, said the police had taken all necessary actions provided in the Police Act and Regulations on the case.

    He said: “I don’t see anybody covering up this particular case because the necessary actions needed to be taken, the normal disciplinary procedure as provided under the Police Act and Regulations are being followed.”

    Shogunle said the indicted officer had been issued a query and a criminal investigation had been conducted by the X-squad.

    The officer, he added, had responded to the query and had faced the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which had made its recommendations to Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris.

    He explained that the  I-G had been forwarded his recommendation to the Police Service Commission ( PSC) for ratification.

    “The processes needed have been done and all we are just waiting for is the recommendations of the PSC,” he said.

    He said it was when the Commission informed the I-G on the matter that the CRU would in turn inform the public on the matter.

    Shogunle said that I-G had directed the unit to ensure that it discharged its responsibilities without impunity in line with its motto.

    “One of the things the I-G has tasked the CRU, which is no to impunity, is that the unit should ensure that it upholds that motto,” he added.

    The report on the bribery scandal is in the third quarter report of the CRU The report said the recovery of the bribe cash followed a complaint made to the CRU through a telephone call.

    On alleged preferential treatment for senior officers, Shogunle said the unit had taken up all cases against all police officers irrespective of their ranks.

    “Probably, we get more complaints against the junior ranks because they interact more with members of the public.

    “They are the ones that are always out on the streets. So it is possible you will get more complaints against them than the senior officers.”

    Shogunle assured that all complaints irrespective of the ranks of the persons would be treated based on merit, adding that the rule of law would always prevail.

    The CRU head said that the inclusion of the X-squad unit of the police was yielding result.

    “One of the breakthroughs we have had as contained in the CRU third quarter report was actually done by the x-squad.

    “This is the kind of things the public should expect with the inclusion of the squad by the I-G in the fight against corruption,” he said.

    He said there was cordial working relationship between the Nigeria Police Force through the CRU and human rights groups in the country.

    “As a matter of fact, we have a committee made up of these organisations to review policing operations nationwide.

    “We hear from them issues of policing and also give them feedback on their cases that were handled by the CRU,” he said.

  • N23.29b ‘bribe’: Ex-Rivers REC, 99 others to face trial

    N23.29b ‘bribe’: Ex-Rivers REC, 99 others to face trial

    About 100 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials are likely to face trial for indictment in the N23.29b bribe during the 2015 elections.

    They will face internal disciplinary action before being handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution, The Nation learnt.

    EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu and INEC Chairman  Mahmood Yakubu are to meet on the interim report on the scandal.

    The report, The Nation learnt, indicts two Resident Electoral Commissioners – Gesil Khan, Mr. Slyvester Ezeani – 16 directors and 82 others.

    Some of those indicted have refunded money and a few others have their assets confiscated by EFCC.

    A source in the EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are set for the trial of the indicted INEC officials. We are making the interim report of our investigation available to INEC any moment from now.

    “We have a major challenge in INEC. The electoral commission said its rules and regulations do not allow it to hand over the indicted officers to the EFCC for prosecution.

    “It said once a report is filed by the anti-graft commission, the INEC management will invoke internal disciplinary mechanism since the allegations are on election matters.  After the disciplinary action, the EFCC can arraign them in court.

    “We are trying to follow due process as much as possible. So far, INEC has cooperated in releasing all those invited for questioning.

    “Once the EFCC and INEC chairmen meet in the next few days, we will then know where we are going.”

    A National Commissioner, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are awaiting the report of the EFCC and when we get it, we will subject the affected officials to our internal process. We are operating in a democratic environment and we have to observe due process in whatever we are doing.

    “So far, we have lived up to expectations in handing over any INEC officials implicated to EFCC for interrogation, we have not shielded anybody no matter how highly placed.

    “We have also taken pre-emptive steps to check these 100 employees. We have exempted them from sensitive operations of the commission pending the conclusion of investigation and the outcome of their trial if any.

    The EFCC has been probing the embattled former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on her  alleged involvement in a $115m (N23, 299,705,000billion) 2015 poll bribery scandal.

    About four oil firms, 14 directors of oil companies, two banks and some politicians are under probe.

     Some INEC officials already grilled are REC Gesil Khan for allegedly collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe; Fidelia Omoile( Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)—N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown( INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)—N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River state, Edem Okon Effanga—N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo—N214,127,000.

    Also, a retired INEC official, Sani Isa,  was grilled over alleged N 406,206,000 bribe allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased Resident Electoral Commissioner  (REC) in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

    Those grilled in Gombe are: Godwin Maiyaki Gambo Balanga, Bukar Alone Benisheik, Dukku, Jibril. B. Muhammed,Billiri, Dunguma Musa Dogona, Funakaye, Mohammed. A. Wanka, Kaltungo, Ishaku Yusuf, Kwami, Suleiman Isawa, Nafada, Babagana Malami, Shongom, and Nuhu Samuel, Y/Deba.

  • INEC REC returns N20m poll bribe after EFCC grilling

    INEC REC returns N20m poll bribe after EFCC grilling

    Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)  Sylvester Ezeani has refunded N20million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The cash is part of the N23.29billion bribe given to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to change the results of the 2015 election.

    Three RECs have been named in the scandal. One of them is dead.

    The EFCC has seized two choice shopping malls from a REC Gesil Khan.

    Besides, the account of the REC with about N59million has been frozen by the anti-graft agency.

    A retired INEC official, Sani Isa, was questioned for N406,206,000 bribe allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased REC in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

    The number of INEC staff invited and questioned by the EFCC has risen to 100.

    INEC is awaiting a comprehensive brief from the anti-graft agency on the affected staff, it was learnt that  only President Muhammadu Buhari can determine the fate of the RECs.

    Ezeani’s N20million came from the $115m(N23.29billion) which former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke is said to have provided.

    A source in EFCC,  who spoke in confidence, said: “Faced by overwhelming evidence from our team, Ezeani has refunded to the commission N20million, which was traced to him.

    “About N241million was allocated to INEC when Ezeani was the REC in Cross River State during the 2015 poll.

    “We are working on other INEC staff to refund the cash credited to them from the slush funds. So far, about N503million has been recovered from INEC staff and politicians involved in the poll bribery scandal in Port Harcourt Zone alone.

    “We are determined to retrieve a huge chunk of the N23.29billion bribe.”

    Meanwhile, the number of INEC staff quizzed by EFCC  on the poll bribery cash has risen to about 100.

    A source in INEC said: “At least about 100 staff of this commission have either been invited or interrogated by the EFCC as part of its ongoing investigation. T5he number could be higher than the current figure because investigation is still in progress.

    “It is too early to say that these staff have been indicted or not  by the EFCC. We are however awaiting a comprehensive brief from the anti-graft commission on its findings on each of the affected staff.

    “Do not forget that some of them even serve as witnesses for EFCC, depending on the circumstances of their postings during the poll.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Staff found guilty of infractions will be subjected to the civil service rules and regulations on disciplinary action.”

    Another INEC source spoke on reports on some RECs but “there is nothing the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu or the management can do.

    “The appointment of National Commissioners and RECs is at the behest of President Muhammadu Buhari. What INEC management can do is to forward the EFCC’s report on any REC to the President who has the powers to appoint or remove such officer.

    “So, the Presudent will determine the fate of RECs implicated in the scandal if they are found culpable.”

    About four oil firms, 14 directors of oil companies, two banks and  100 INEC officials, including RECs are under investigation too.

    Some INEC officers already grilled are REC Gesil Khan for collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe deal; Fidelia Omoile( Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)—N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown( INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)—N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River state, Edem Okon Effanga—N241,127,000 and others.

  •  ICPC arraigns ex-consultant for N.3m bribe

     ICPC arraigns ex-consultant for N.3m bribe

    •Commission secures jail term for two railway staff

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Professor Martin Aghaji, at a Federal High Court in Enugu, for N320, 000 bribe.

    The commission also secured a one-year prison term each for two workers of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Augustine Chukwuemeka and Agnes K. Ikeme, for abuse of public office.

    These disclosures are contained in a statement by the spokesperson of ICPC, Mrs. Rasheedat A. Okoduwa.

    The statement said: “A former Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Professor Martin Aghaji, has been arraigned before Justice R. O. Odugu of a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a four-count charge of allegedly demanding and receiving gratification in the course of his official duties.

    “The charges bordered on administrative corruption, extortion and conferring corrupt advantages on himself, which violate sections 8 and 19 and are punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    “Professor Aghaji, sometime in 2003, while being a public officer, used his position as a consultant cardio-thoracic surgeon at UNTH Enugu, demanded N320,000 and received N70,000, before he could carry out a surgical operation on the late Francis Ebeogbodi, which he never did before the patient died.

    “Investigations have shown that although it is unethical for doctors in public service to demand and accept money before performing their official duties, the accused had allegedly done so.

    “The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognisance.

     

  • N10m bail forAir Force chief accused of accepting N10m bribe

    A serving senior officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal John Adeniyi Kayode-Beckley was arraigned yesterday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gudu, Abuja for allegedly accepting N10million from a contractor to his employer.

    Kayode-Beckley was arraigned on a one-count charge before Justice Adebukola Banjoko by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He was said to have committed the alleged offence while serving as the Director of Armament with the NAF.

    The defendant allegedly accepted the N10m as gratification from a contractor, Hima Abubakar of Societe D’Equipments Internationaux Nig. Ltd.

    The charge reads:

    “That you, AVM John Adeniyi Kayode-Beckley whilst serving as Director of Armament, Nigerian Air Force, sometime in 2015 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did accept a gift in the sum of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) from one Mr. Hima Abubakar of Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux Nig Ltd, a contractor with the Nigerian Air Force in performance of your official act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 17(c) of the same act.

    Kayode-Beckley pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, following which his lawyer, Yakubu Maikarfi urged the court to grant bail to his client on the ground that stating that he had always been present when called upon by the investigators.

    Although prosecution lawyer, Cosmas Ugwu objected to the bail application, Justice Banjoko admitted the defendant to bail at N10m with two sureties.

    She adjourned to September 27 for the commencement of trial.

  • Court remands Air Force chief in prison over N166m bribe

    Court remands Air Force chief in prison over N166m bribe

    A senior Air Force official, Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyinbo has been ordered remanded in Kuje prisons, Abuja following his arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja.

    Oguntoyinbo, a former Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was arraigned before Justice Oluwakayode Adeniyi on a one count charge, in which he was accused of receiving  N166m bribe.

    Justice Adeniyi ordered that AVM Oguntoyinbo be remanded in prison until next Monday when his bail application would be considered.

    Oguntoyinbo was accused of receiving the bribe from a contractor to the NAF, Société D’ Equipments Internatio naux Nigeria Limited, using a company, Spaceweb Integrated Services Limited, with an account in Wema Bank Plc.

     Oguntoyinbo pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    After his plea was taken, his lawyer, Henry Ohun, urged the court to order that his client be returned to the NAF custody pending the hearing of the bail application.

    Prosecution lawyer, Francis Jirbo objected to the defence lawyer’s request.

    Jirbo prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison, arguing that the prison was the proper place for the remand of a defendant whose plea had been taken.

    Justice Adeniyi agreed with the prosecution lawyer  and ordered that Oguntoyinbo be remanded in prison.

    He fixed June 6 for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application.

  • N23.3b bribe: INEC chiefs to face disciplinary panel

    N23.3b bribe: INEC chiefs to face disciplinary panel

    EFCC quizzes 16 directors

    Some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials have been summoned to the agency’s Abuja headquarters in connection with the alleged N23.29billion bribe the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing.

    The EFCC has quizzed 16 top INEC officials, including 10 directors, over the scandal.

    Those invited are two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and an administrative officer.

    The RECs are Gesila Khan and Austen Okojie, who have been under investigation by the EFCC and other security agencies.

    On the list too   is an Administrative Secretary in Delta State,  Uluochi Obi Brown.

    Khan has been  quizzed for allegedly collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe. Brown allegedly got   N111,500,000.

    Okojie’s infractions were unknown as at press time but the INEC management is said to have “a security report” on him.

    The officials will appear on Wednesday  before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee chaired by a National Commissioner, Mustapha Lecky.

    More RECs and INEC officials may face the panel based on EFCC’s investigation.

    The indicted officials may be dropped by the Presidency if the allegations against them are established “beyond reasonable doubt”.

    The INEC management has stepped into the poll bribery scandal to cleanse the system of corrupt elements.

    REC Gesil Khan allegedly collected  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe; Fidelia Omoile( Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)—N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown( INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)—N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River state, Edem Okon Effanga—N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo—N214,127,000.

    A retired INEC official, Sani Isa,  was grilled for alleged N 406,206,000 bribe, allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased Resident Electoral Commissioner  (REC) in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Apart from EFCC’s findings, the INEC management is also looking into the scandal which has battered the image of the commission.

    “The Secretary of INEC, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, has sent a letter of invitation to the affected RECs and Administrative Secretary.

    “Apart from the confidential report of the EFCC, I think INEC may revisit the report of a committee sent to Rivers and Akwa Ibom during the 2015 poll when there were issues in the two states.

    “So far, EFCC has not accused Okojie of involvement in the bribery but I think he is being invited to face the disciplinary panel on the basis of the report of the committee which looked into issues in Akwa Ibom during the 2015 poll when he was the REC in the state.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Although the chairman of the disciplinary committee is on a medical trip abroad, the INEC management may find a way out.”

    As at press time, the EFCC has quizzed 16 top INEC officials over the scandal.

    They include four directors at INEC headquarters, six directors at the state level and six Heads of Operations in the Southwest

    Another source said: “Actually, EFCC wrote a letter to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, seeking permission to interrogate these top officers.

    “They were all subsequently released to the anti-graft agency for a comprehensive session.

    “The outcome of the interrogation  led to the discovery that a former INEC chairman and two ex-National Commissioners coordinated  the bribery ring which led to the disbursement of the N23.29billion by Fidelity Bank.

    “The INEC management is awaiting EFCC’s report on these 14 directors before wielding the big stick if they are found guilty.

    “Sensing danger, one of the Administrative Secretaries implicated had offered to resign his appointment. This resignation will still not prevent his arraignment if he has a case to answer.”

    There were indications last night that the RECs might be dropped by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari if they are found guilty.

    Many directors might be fired too depending on the report of the EFCC and INEC management.

    “There is already tension in the system because many INEC officers benefited from the bribe. It was discreetly done but the scam has been uncovered by EFCC.

    “Those involved are jittery that their days are numbered because the administration of Buhari will not condone nonsense. In fact, a few directors have been seeking advice on whether or not to quit before being shown the way out.”

    A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is believed to be central to the huge bribe of poll officials to alter the 2015 presidential election results.

    About $115m( N23.29b) was involved in the bribery, with four  oil firms contributing $88.35million.