INEC also said it will release dates as well as the detailed procedure for the collection of PVCs nationwide after a retreat with its RECs in Lagos
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that one Nasiru Idris who was caught with 101 permanent voter cards (PVCs) in Sokoto State will spend one year behind bars.
INEC made this known yesterday, November 17, in a statement signed and made available by the commission’s Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye.
The statement further said police in Kano State apprehended another man, who was found with 367 PVCs and he has been charged to court.
“In the last couple of weeks, the police have arrested some individuals found to be in illegal possession of voter cards in some states,” the commission said.
“In one case, the police concluded the investigation and handed over the case file to the commission resulting in the successful prosecution of one Nasiru Idris at a Magistrate Court in Sokoto who was found to be in possession 101 PVCs in contravention of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2002. He has been sentenced to a year in prison.
“Similarly, the police in Kano state have arrested a man who was found to be in possession of 367 PVCs. The suspect has been charged to court and the commission is pursuing his prosecution.”
On the collection of PVCs, INEC said
It will release dates as well as the detailed procedure for the immediate collection of PVCs nationwide after holding a retreat in Lagos from November 28 to December 2, with all its resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
“The commission appreciates the patience and understanding of Nigerians, especially those who registered as voters or applied for transfer/replacement of their cards from January to July 2022. In making the cards available for collection, the commission is also working to ensure that the process is hitch-free.” the statement added.