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Vote Buying: NGO Recommends use of Body Cameras, Mobile Courts

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Ahead of 2023 general elections, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Good Governance Awareness Initiative (GGAI), has recommended the use of body cameras by security personnel on Election Day to curb the incident of vote buying in the country.

The NGO also advised the Federal Government to set up mobile courts in the 774 local government areas across the country to prosecute vote buying on election day.

The Executive Director, Ms Maureen Onwukwe, stated this in Abuja on Monday at a news briefing and public presentation of a research survey titled: “Why People Sell and Buy Votes in Nigeria”.

Onwukwe, who described  election as an integral part of every democracy, added that the problem of “vote buying and selling” presented a fresh danger to the integrity and reliability of elections in Nigeria.

She added that this must be addressed accordingly to give way to the dividend of democracy in the country.

“We are all aware that elections in the country were marred over the years through ballot stuffing and snatching and various degrees of electoral violence.

“However, the technological innovations that was introduced by INEC and the Electoral Act 2022 makes it extremely impossible for political parties to rig election.

“This has made politicians devised  another means to manipulate the supposed decision of electorate through inducing them with money to sell their votes.

“Vote buying and selling has become eminent in every recent election, which has hampered the quality and integrity of office holders.

“These problems and many more necessitated this research to underscore the political, social and economic aspect of vote buying and selling,” she said

Onwukwe said that in conducting the research, 1,000 responses were received from potential voters through online and traditional questionnaire system.

She said that 54 per cent of the respondents said that the security agencies were not proactive in curbing vote trading takes, 44 per cent linked vote buying to poverty.

She added that 35 per cent said that threats by political parties forced them to sell out their votes, while 21 per cent  said they had lost interest in the electoral process as they believe that their votes would not count.

“The research noted that, it is outside INEC purview to end poverty. However, it is within INEC’s right to protect the integrity of the voting process.

“Thus, the survey recommends that the electoral body takes proactive measures to stop the commercialisation of vote buying.

“Purchasing body cams for police officers at polling units and setting up of mobile courts in the 774 local government of the federation to expedite the prosecution of vote buyers and sellers will help.

“There should also be stiffer penalties for both vote sellers and buyers,” she added.

The executive director further explained that the research has unveiled that electorates are not aware that vote selling constituted an electoral offence.

“Funny enough, 55 per cent of the respondent said that they are not aware that vote selling is an electoral offence.

“This was evident during the just concluded Osun Gubernatorial election, as voters took to social media to brag on selling their votes.

“I think INEC and CSOs should intensify electoral law awareness. People need to know the consequences of selling their votes.

Onwukwe urged INEC to also take proactive measures in promoting the secrecy of voter choice, adding that voting point lack adequate secrecy measures, because vote buyers are able to monitors the choice of voters.

She added that the centre had commenced initiatives to sensitise various electoral stakeholders with programmes that would specifically focus on 10 millions market women and youths.

The Chairman, GGAI, Prof. Charles Nwekealu, in his remarks said since Nigeria independent in 1960, leadership had been one of the challenges facing the country.

Nwekealu said that because Nigeria elections had been characterised with rigging, ballot snatching and violence, the country had not been able to elect the kind of leadership it deserved.

This, according to him, made Nigeria to embark on a number of reforms to ensure that the country has a good electoral system that would lead to electing good leadership.

“Leadership will determined the rise or fall of any country, any country that is lucky to have a dynamic leadership, there is no limit to the demands of that country.

“We believe that this research will help in improving the outcome of the scheduled 2023 general elections in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Femi Gold, the Chief Superintendent Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) described sensitisation as key in addressing the menace of vote buying.

Gold commended the NGO for the research aimed at addressing vote buying in the country, said that ICPC was already working with some NGOs on vote buying.

He said ICPC was working to expand its partnership with more NGOs including GGAI to extend voters education to all states across the Federation ahead of 2023 general elections.

 “What we need is sensitisation. Even the issue of corruption, sensitisation is key. We believe in the power of information.

“Information helps in prevention and it is cheaper. Just as you just heard, some people don’t even know that vote selling is an offence. Hence the need for sensitisation,” he said.

Mr Aleshinloye Farouk, the Programme and Research Manager, GGAI, said the survey revealed that people sell their votes because of poverty.

He said some believed that the money was national cake that needed to be shared.

According to him, the use of body cameras on election day is doable since Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers use them and it helps during prosecution.(NAN)

DEFENCE

NAF Names Crew, Passengers on Board ill-fated Flight

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The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has released the names of personnel and passengers in the crashed NAF 931 aircraft.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The crew members and passengers lost their lives in the crash involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

Ejodame listed the crew members as Sqn. Ldr MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Sqn. Ldr AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flt.-Lt. IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician) and Cpl.

Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician).

He said the passengers included Flt.-Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt.-Lt. M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.

Others he said were Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The NAF director of public relations and information also said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke had expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.

He quoted Aneke as describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.

The CAS expressed heartfelt sympathies to families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.

He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period, while also directing a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident.

He also assured that the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates as investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting privacy and dignity of affected families.

“A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay respects and convey messages of sympathy to families of the deceased and the NAF,” he said.

25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers were onboard the aircraft which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.

It was reported that search and rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.(NAN)

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DEFENCE

Police Nab 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Firearms, 43 Vehicles in September

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The Police Command in Lagos State says it apprehended 32 suspects and recovered 10 firearms, 43 vehicles and N2.5 million during various operations across the state in September.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP), Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements for the month at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Tijani said the command also impounded 43 vehicles during an early-morning enforcement operation on Monday against vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, adding that further checks were ongoing.

He said the command arrested the suspects in connection with armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, public disturbance and other violent crimes.

The CP said the command recovered 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms and other incriminating exhibits.

He added that the firearms comprised five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.

Tijani said a 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a routine patrol along Oko Oba Road after some suspected hoodlums allegedly fled on sighting the police.

“A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol, radiator, car jack, engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools,” he said.

The commissioner said a 29-year-old suspected armed robber was also arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of a man at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.

“The suspect was arrested at the Toll Gate, Lagos-Ogun boundary, following investigation into the Sept. 26 incident, in which armed men allegedly robbed the victim of his gold wrist chain and rings.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining exhibits,” he said.

He said police also arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged conspiracy and stealing case involving a gang that reportedly travelled from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.

According to him, the suspect led operatives to a hotel room in Idi-Oro, where N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered.

The CP said three suspected robbers were also arrested in Idi-Oro, while intelligence obtained during investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

He added that another suspect was arrested in Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Tijani said the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity, while two other suspected cultists, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.

He said 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested in Imeke, Badagry, with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms recovered.

According to him, seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation continued to apprehend other members and recover additional arms.

The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.

He said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun were recovered from the suspect, while further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.

Tijani said the command also arrested a 53-year-old man in Ojo for alleged unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and six suspected hoodlums over alleged breaking, looting and destruction of property along Ejigbo–Idimu Road.

He said another suspect was arrested in Badagry for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and public disturbance, adding that two victims had so far made statements against him.

Tijani said the command would continue to protect police personnel lawfully carrying out their duties while holding accountable officers whose conduct fell below expected standards.

He commended the officers and operatives for the breakthroughs and appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Troops Foil Two Abduction Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Zamfara

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By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.

The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.

In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.

The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.

In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.

According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.

The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.

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