By Erewunmi Peace

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abia State have arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly being in possession of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voters’ registration machine without authorization.

The suspect was apprehended in Mbawsi community, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, after security operatives received a tip-off about an ongoing illegal voter registration exercise at a football field in the area.

According to police sources, the registration machine recovered from the suspect was officially assigned to another location and was being used without the approval or supervision of INEC officials.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly claimed he was acting on the instruction of unnamed politicians.

However, the police noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the authenticity of the claim and identify any accomplices involved.

The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia for further interrogation, while the seized INEC device has been secured as evidence.

Reacting to the incident, an INEC official in the state confirmed awareness of the arrest and stated that the commission is cooperating with security agencies to ensure the integrity of the voter registration process.

The police assured the public that anyone found involved in activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s electoral system would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.