The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold Governors, deputies and others accountable in cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the 2023 general election.
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The court directed INEC to appoint independent counsels to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators of electoral offences and their sponsors.
The court also ordered INEC to identify these individuals and ensure their effective prosecution.
Justice Egwuatu found merit in SERAP’s application, emphasizing the need for swift prosecution of all arrested offenders in the custody of various law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, and ICPC.