The Ilorin Area Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicted Mr. Adekunle Ademola, a suspected vote-seller who was arrested by operatives of the EFCC in the just-concluded Kwara State governorship election.
He was arraigned on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, before Justice Mahmoud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, on one count bordering on vote-selling. This violation violates section 121(2) of the Elections Act 2022 and is punishable under section 121(4) of the same Act. ”
The only tally reads: “You, Adekunle Ademola, sometime on March 18, 2023, while you were a voter at Polling Unit 004 of Ilorin Grammar School, Geri Alimi, Ilorin Kwara State, in Ilorin within the Judicial Division of the High Court. , during the Kwara State governorship and state assembly elections, agree to have money paid to your account number 0035091636 domiciled at Guaranty Trust Bank PLC for voting in the elections and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 121(2) of the State Act, punishable under section 121(4) of the Elections Act 2022.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecuting lawyer, Andrew Akoja, prayed the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant to the correctional center to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
Judge Abdul Ghafar then remanded the defendant to Mandala Correctional Center and subsequently adjourned the case until December 6, 2023 for trial.
Mr. Adekunle’s journey to the dock began on March 18, 2023, when he was arrested by officials of the Ilorin Area Command of the EFCC at Polling Unit 04, Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin, while on election observation duty in the state. Began.
Specifically, the defendant provided his name and account number, as well as information about seven other people, for the purpose of receiving money after voting.
Source: guardian.ng