The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the unauthorized access and leakage of classified voter data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The probe has resulted in the arrest of an INEC official and the interrogation of Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Senior police sources confirmed that operatives from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) are investigating allegations of database misuse, cyber-related offenses, and the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security documents.

The investigation follows a petition filed on behalf of INEC alleging criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation, and the unlawful release of classified electoral records.

Origin of the Controversy

The investigation was triggered after Olayinka shared screenshots on social media containing the purported voter registration transfer details of Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, from Imo State to the FCT.

The social media post emerged amid public scrutiny over Ike’s eligibility to contest a House of Representatives seat in the FCT, following his criticisms of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election process. The publication of the screenshots raised immediate public concern regarding data privacy, with many questioning how restricted voter information was obtained.

INEC Denies System Breach

In a statement addressing the controversy, INEC denied that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database had been hacked or compromised. The commission clarified that the unauthorized disclosure resulted from the internal misuse of legitimate access credentials by an authorized official.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the detained electoral officer initially contacted Olayinka via Facebook Messenger before transmitting the voter registration documents through WhatsApp. The documents allegedly aimed to show that Ike’s voter transfer request was recently initiated and had not yet received final regulatory approval.

Ongoing Legal and Security Proceedings

During his interrogation at the Police Headquarters in Abuja, Olayinka reportedly maintained that he had no prior relationship with the INEC official. He further stated he was unaware the documents were classified, noting that the official did not indicate the information was confidential or restricted.

In tandem with the police probe, the Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated a parallel investigation into the breach.

Authorities are currently reviewing potential charges against both the INEC official and Olayinka. Possible charges under consideration include:

• Criminal conspiracy

• Cyber-related offenses

• Unlawful disclosure of classified information

• Actions capable of causing a breach of public peace