Out of the 23 individuals arrested, six were found to be culpable of electoral and criminal acts. Two males and two females were handed over to INEC on Friday morning for their alleged involvement in the unlawful possession of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the diversion of sensitive electoral materials.
Hundeyin also noted that two other suspects arrested on the same day would be prosecuted by the police for the alleged unlawful possession of firearms. The two suspects to be charged by the police are Joseph Agada and Animashaun Kabiru.
All suspects were charged in court on Friday. Hundeyin stated that the police had worked diligently to ensure that electoral offenders in Lagos State were brought to book. He urged the public to support the police to maintain law and order during the election period.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, had earlier assured residents of the state of the readiness of the police to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He had also warned that the police would not tolerate any act of violence, thuggery or electoral malpractice during the elections.
Handing the suspected electoral offenders to INEC is a positive step towards promoting credible and transparent elections in Nigeria. It is hoped that the offenders will be prosecuted according to the law, which will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in electoral malpractice.
INEC has also urged members of the public to report any act of electoral malpractice to the appropriate authorities. The commission has assured the people of its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process in Nigeria.