N250m bribe: FCID takes over probe of INEC staff

Taiwo Adisa, Abuja - 21.05.2009

THE police unit at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally handed over the report of its probe into the alleged N250 million bribery saga which blew open after the April 25 governorship rerun election in Ekiti State.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune also indicated that the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) in Abuja had taken over the investigation.

It was gathered that two persons, a confidential secretary at INEC, Mr. John Onaji, who blew the lid on the alleged bribery scandal and the alleged giver, one HonourableYomi Ayorinde have had their cases referred to the FCID for further investigation.

The report of the INEC unit of police, handled by DCP J.B. Awelewa, had cleared the 31 INEC officials who participated in the election in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of complicity in the bribery scandal.

It was learnt on Wednesday that INEC chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, who read the contents of the report to the 31 officials at a meeting said that the commission was proud of the officials.

It was further learnt that the acting Director of Operations, Mr. Okey Ndechie, will be made to face an administrative, panel where he could clear himself of any wrongdoing.

Police sources confirmed that the report before INEC chairman has also been tendered before the police authorities, who have given the go ahead for the intervention by the FCID.

Sources said on Wednesday that when INEC boss, Maurice Iwu met with the 31 officials who were interrogated by DCP Awelewa in the course of his investigation of the scam, he apologized that the commission had made them face the ordeal of police interrogation.