323 Persons Arrested for Electoral Offences – IGP

There has been an increase in the number of suspects arrested for electoral offences. Speaking about the matter in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, at a review session with strategic commanders to evaluate the performance of officers during the last elections said, “It is noted that updated statistics resulting from Presidential and National Assembly elections shows that a total of three hundred and twenty-three (323) offenders have so far been arrested for various electoral offences and sundry crimes across the country.”  Mr. Adamu added that other perpetrators of violence who were still at large, would be apprehended. According to him “the Special Election Investigation Team working in tandem with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been directed to investigate all the cases of election offences and prosecute the offenders according to the nation’s laws.”  The IGP also revealed that the violence that occurred in several States led to the death of two officers while others were assaulted and injured. During the meeting which was also part of preparations for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday March 9, the electorate and international community were assured of peace during the coming elections. He reiterated the “unwavering commitment of the Police to work closely with INEC and sister security agencies towards guaranteeing a peaceful and secure space for Nigerians to exercise their electoral franchise.”  Stating reason for the Police being unarmed during elections, IGP Adamu said: “No policeman would be allowed to carry arms at polling units because it is against the Electoral Act and international law for officers to be armed at polling units.”

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