The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has directed Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands to ensure investigations in all cases of violations of the Electoral Act during the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly polls.
The IG directed them to swiftly conclude investigations and forward case files to the Independent National Electoral Commission for prosecution.
This was revealed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, following an inquiry by The PUNCH.
The PUNCH reports that the IGP, last week Monday revealed that the police recorded and responded to 185 major incidents and arrested 203 electoral offenders during the February 25 elections.
He also noted that the suspects were at various stages of investigation, adding that the case files would be handed over to INEC's legal department for prosecution in due course.
However, in a statement on Monday, Adejobi said, “The IGP, Usman Baba, has directed CPs in charge of state commands to ensure that investigations in all cases of violations against the 2022 Electoral Act during the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly electioneering are swiftly concluded and the case files forwarded to INEC for prosecution.
“In a bid to ensure an all-inclusive election security management and accord Nigerians benefits/leverage of active participation, to achieve free, fair, and credible gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections on March, 18, 2023, the IGP has tasked strategic police managers to engage stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions through town hall meetings and other viable avenues.
“The IGP has, therefore, urged well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the police and other law enforcement agencies tasked with election security management, to ensure a hitch-free security architecture for all and sundry, particularly the electorate, accredited observers, INEC officials and materials so that all citizens can exercise their franchise without molestation, harassment and security threats.”
