The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to drag the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court unless it accounts for more than ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds linked to findings by the Auditor-General.

SERAP said INEC must, within seven days, provide documentary and physical evidence showing that the money was used for its intended purpose and clarify what happened to the electoral materials reportedly procured with the funds.

The group particularly pointed to ₦112.15 billion described in the audit findings as “irregularly paid” for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

Questions were also raised about some of the contractors involved in the transactions. SERAP wants the commission to establish whether the companies and suppliers had the capacity to execute the contracts and whether the goods and services they were paid for were actually delivered.

The organisation said the review should also determine whether payments corresponded with the value of materials supplied or services rendered and whether procurement contracts were split to avoid established requirements.

SERAP called on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the transactions if necessary. It said any probe should extend to public officials who authorised or facilitated questionable payments, as well as the contractors and other private entities that received the funds.

It further demanded that any money found to have been improperly spent or received be recovered and returned to government coffers.

SERAP also warned against the disposal or transfer of any electoral equipment or other public assets covered by the audit findings until the issues surrounding their procurement and use have been fully resolved.

According to the organisation, Nigerians are entitled to know how public institutions spend public funds, particularly money allocated for electoral operations.

SERAP said failure by INEC to provide the requested information within the stipulated seven-day period would lead to legal action aimed at compelling compliance in the public interest.

The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.

The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.

“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.

Oba Iwedunmoye was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.

He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.

The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.

A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.

Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.

The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.

News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.

Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta

A 40-year-old woman, Joy Anthony, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Police said operatives attached to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the arrest in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, following intelligence received about suspected drug-related activities.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, officers subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at Anthony’s residence in Agbor-Obi.

READ ALSO:

• Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre
• Anambra Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Child, Rescue Four
• MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims

The search reportedly resulted in the recovery of several suspected illicit substances, including tramadol, codeine, swinol, Canadian loud and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody as investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Edafe said Anthony would be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.

Police have not disclosed the exact quantities of the substances recovered.

Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta