Police in Delta State have burst a syndicate of politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who broke into the commission’s strong room in Asaba and stole original copies of 137 result sheets used for the last governorship and House of Assembly election in the state.
The police recovered 47 completed copies of original result sheets, Form EC8A for the governorship election held in parts of Warri South and 16 completed copies of original result sheets, form EC8A (1) for House of Assembly held in parts of Warri South from the suspects.
Detectives also recovered seven completed copies of original result sheets, Form EC8 for governorship election held in parts of Ughelli North; five completed copies of original result sheet , Form EC8A(1) for House of Assembly election held in Ugheli North.
Other items recovered were one copy of original form EC8B(1) for summary of results from polling units in Warri South, 149 original copies of polling unit material receipt forms, EC25B and 139 copies of forged forms EC25B among others.
A source hinted, weekend, that the police would soon arraign the suspects, including the chairman and top officials of one of the political parties in the state in court for conspiracy to steal, forgery and receiving stolen INEC property.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafix Inuwa, in a report, reference number, CR3000/DTS/SD3/VOL/3/230, dated June 25, said acting on a tip- off, detectives swooped on a popular hotel in Asaba, where they arrested the suspects.
According to the report, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, “The recovered and identified result sheets are sensitive materials that should not be found outside the custody of INEC or officials of INEC.”