EFCC Arrests 73-Year-Old Woman and Two Others with 20 PVCs in Benin

In what is turning out to be an alarming trend leading up to the 2023 elections in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of three individuals in possession of 20 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Benin City.

The arrests were made by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC, who acted on a tip-off. According to the EFCC, one of the suspects, Afekhana Esther, was arrested at Ward 1, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikpoba Okha, Benin City, with 20 PVCs belonging to different people.

Esther, who claimed that the cards were handed over to her by the duo of Comfort Muoneke, a 73-year-old woman, and Segun Osaimokhai, is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is completed.

The possession of PVCs by unauthorized individuals is illegal and a violation of the electoral laws of Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only body authorized to issue PVCs to registered voters. The PVC is a vital tool for voters to participate in the electoral process, and as such, it must be protected and used in accordance with the law.

The EFCC has been on high alert, especially with the 2023 general elections just around the corner. The commission has warned that anyone caught in the act of buying or selling PVCs or engaging in any form of electoral malpractice will face the full wrath of the law.

In recent years, there have been several instances of electoral malpractice in Nigeria, with the abuse of PVCs being a significant concern. It is a criminal offense to buy or sell PVCs, and the EFCC, alongside other security agencies, has been working tirelessly to prevent such crimes from occurring.

The EFCC has urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the upcoming elections. It is essential that everyone plays their part in ensuring that the electoral process is free and fair, and that the will of the people prevails.

The 2023 general elections are critical for Nigeria, and it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the process is transparent and credible. The arrests made by the EFCC demonstrate the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is free from corruption and malpractice.