The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 individuals suspected of various electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.The arrests targeted activities such as vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of election officials, with a total sum of N17,218,700 allegedly involved in these malpractices.A standout incident involved one suspect apprehended with N13.5 million in cash, discovered inside a vehicle parked adjacent to a polling unit in the Kwali Area Council.The breakdown of arrests by location includes:Abaji: 2 suspects Gwagwalada: 9 suspects Kuje: 4 suspectsKwali: 4 suspects (including the individual with the large cash seizure) The EFCC, which had proactively deployed operatives across the FCT's six area councils to monitor the polls and curb voter inducement, described the operation as part of efforts to protect electoral integrity.Investigations are ongoing, after which the suspects will face prosecution in court.The arrests come amid broader concerns over electoral malpractice in the keenly watched local government polls, which saw INEC and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC stepping up surveillance to deter vote trading and ensure a fair process.
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