TWO ELECTORAL COMMISSION STAFF ARRAIGN OVER ALLEGED STEALING OF PERMANENT VOTER CARDS
The Prosecuting Counsel, Calistus Eze, told the court that the accused persons allegedly committed the offences between May and August 2018,stating that, their acts contravened Sections 98 (4) (1) and Section (A) (1) of the Criminal Code Law of Rivers State.
Penpushing also reports that, the prosecuting counsel said the offence also violated Section 120 (1) (d) and Section 117 (1) (e) of the Electoral Act 2010.The accused persons are facing eight counts charge of conspiracy, bribery, theft and fraud in suit number PHC/313C/19,but they all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The Chief Magistrate, S.D. Andrew-Jaja, however, admitted the three accused persons to bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with a surety each in same amount and ordered that the sureties must be Civil Servants on not less than Grade Level 12 in Rivers State Civil Service.
Penpushing also reports that, Magistrate Andrew-Jaja thereafter adjoined the matter until February 20, for hearing.
In a related development, a 25 year old man, Philemon Lawrence,, was arraigned by the State Security Service (SSS) for allegedly parading himself as Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) official, who was accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public after promising his victims jobs as the commission ad hoc staff.
Penpushing further reports that, the State Security Service (SSS) alleged that the accused person collected N3, 800 each from members of the public after advertising his bank account online. He was arraigned for a three counts charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation and fraud.
The Magistrate Andrew-Jaja also admitted him to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with surety in like sum and adjourned the case until February 19 for further hearing.
