The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is poised to commence prosecuting 1,076 persons arrested for electoral malpractice during Nigeria’s recent 2023 elections.
A reliable INEC source said the prosecutions would involve collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and police. 191 case files implicating suspects across 35 states have reportedly been prepared.
The initiative follows the NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, pledging pro bono services by lawyers to support prosecuting vote offenders after meeting INEC leadership.
Maikyau has nominated 191 lawyers, including 16 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to handle state cases. Letters of authority to proceed will soon be issued.
Analysis of the case distribution shows Ebonyi topping with 64 cases and 216 accused persons. Edo comes second with 22 cases and 80 suspects, followed by Anambra with 12 cases involving 66 persons.
Electoral crimes contained in the files range from homicide, ballot snatching, and possession of weapons to misconduct and stealing results declaration sheets. Most suspects are already in custody, and evidence against them is obtained after investigations.
However, the NBA has returned 26 casefiles unrelated to electoral law. Also, 22 other documented cases feature suspects still at large who security agents are tracking.
INEC spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed the Commission’s readiness to commence prosecutions immediately the NBA team gets cleared. He said ensuring accountability for violations during elections is crucial.
The 2023 polls held across Nigeria in February and March saw fewer episodes of violence and illegality compared to past votes. But INEC leadership has maintained its commitment to prosecute any offenders to dissuade impunity threatening electoral integrity.
Collaborating with the organized private bar aims to facilitate speedier trials of election cases which often drag on for years in regular courts.
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