The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday announced the prosecution of 16 electoral offenders in seven states for their conducts during the 2019 general election.
The commission said it was also prosecuting two cases emanating from the governorship election in Bayelsa State held on November 16, 2019.
The 16 electoral offences being prosecuted by INEC for the 2019 polls were committed in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kogi, Lagos and Niger states.
The crimes ranged from snatching and destruction of election materials, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of ballot papers and Permanent Voters’ Cards to vote-buying at polling units on election day.
But the offences for which people are facing trial in Bayelsa relate to snatching and destruction of electoral materials, The PUNCH was told.
He said, “In the understanding that impunity encourages perpetrators of election offences, the commission is vigorously prosecuting offenders.
“So far, 16 case files arising out of the 2019 General Elections have been provided by the Police (the lead agency for electoral security) on the conclusion of investigations. The cases are in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kogi, Lagos and Niger states, ranging from snatching and destruction of election materials, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of ballot papers and PVCs to canvassing for votes at polling units on election day.
“Besides, two cases emanating from the Bayelsa Governorship election and relating to snatching and destruction of electoral materials are also being prosecuted.”
PUNCH
