Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 suspects in connection with various electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The arrests were carried out across multiple area councils in the FCT as part of the Commission's proactive deployment to safeguard electoral integrity and combat vote-trading and related malpractices, following directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor and apprehend those involved in vote buying and selling.
The suspects face allegations ranging from vote buying and vote selling to obstruction of election officials. A total sum of N17,218,700 (Seventeen Million, Two Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira only) was recovered from the suspects.
Notably, one suspect was apprehended with N13,500,000 (Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in cash, discovered in a vehicle parked adjacent to a polling booth in the Kwali Area Council.
The breakdown of arrests by location includes: Abaji: 2 suspects, Gwagwalada: 9 suspects, Kuje: 4 suspects, Kwali: 4 suspects (including the individual with the large cash sum).
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift action in upholding the rule of law during the electoral process.
He reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to eradicating financial crimes, including those that undermine democratic processes such as vote buying, which erodes public trust and distorts the will of the electorate.
"The EFCC will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. No one will be allowed to subvert the democratic process through illicit financial inducements," the Chairman stated.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, in line with relevant provisions of Nigerian law, including the Electoral Act and anti-corruption statutes.
The EFCC calls on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected electoral malpractices or financial crimes through its established channels.