EFCC Denies Release of Suspected Vote Buyers During Anambra Election

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed a viral media claim suggesting that it released individuals arrested during the Anambra State governorship election held on Saturday for suspected vote buying.

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a phone conversation with TVC on Thursday, clarified that the suspects were temporarily handed over to the police because the Commission’s Anambra office lacks a holding facility.

“Yes, they are in our custody at our Enugu Zonal Directorate,” Oyewale stated.

The suspects, identified as Emeka Ilokasia (arrested in Ward 2, Nawfia, Njikoka LGA), Nwachukwu Loretta (apprehended in Ward 2, Awkuzu, Oyi LGA), and Emuka Chuwudi (nabbed at Umunachi Village, Dunukofia LGA), were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in vote-buying during the election.

Oyewale emphasized that the suspects remain in EFCC custody and that investigations into the election-related offences are ongoing.

TVC previously reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has raised concerns over vote buying and intimidation of party agents in the ongoing 2025 Anambra State governorship election.

Ukachukwu cast his vote at Polling Unit 012, Osumenyi Ward 2, describing the reported incidents as a threat to democracy.

APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu Alleges Vote Buying, Intimidation During Anambra Election