EFCC arrests 20 over alleged vote buying in FCT polls, recovers N13.5m

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended 20 individuals for alleged electoral offences during the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects were arrested across the FCT over allegations bordering on vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of electoral officials.

The commission said a total of N17,218,700 was involved in the alleged offences.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, the EFCC revealed that “one of the suspects was arrested with a sum of N13,500,000 in a car parked beside a polling booth in Kwali Local Government Area.”

According to the commission, the arrests were made at various locations within the territory.

Two suspects were picked up in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, and four others in Kwali.

The agency noted that the operation was part of measures to curb electoral malpractice and enforce compliance with electoral laws during the local government elections.

It further stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that those arrested would be prosecuted after the probe is concluded.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the agency stated.