By Adedapo Adesanya
The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the seizure of N32.4 million in scarce new Naira notes allegedly meant for vote buying in Saturday’s elections in Lagos state.
In a statement on Friday, the agency said its officials in Lagos apprehended the suspect with the new banknotes, expressing its determination to deter vote trading and other financial malfeasance ahead of tomorrow’s presidential and national assembly elections.
According to the anti-money laundering organisation, the suspect grabbed in connection with the seizure has been taken into custody for further questioning.
On his part, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, implored all personnel of the agency deployed for election monitoring duties to show courage and not give room for unscrupulous persons to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.
The statement added that, “Tactical teams of operatives are currently on the ground in all the states of the federation and the FCT. Telephone hotlines have already been circulated through social media for members of the public to share information regarding financial malpractices with agents of the Commission. Details of the number are available on EFCC’s social media platforms.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store.
“They can also reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, [email protected].”
Modupe Gbadeyanka