In a development that has intensified scrutiny on Nigeria’s electoral credibility, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials—identified as Mr. Toryem Joe-Stans and Ms. Mandara Aminat—alongside their driver, during the federal constituency by-election in Iperu Remo on August 16, 2025 .
At approximately 12:45 a.m., a police patrol intercepted a Mitsubishi Spacewagon (registration: LAGOS AKD 887 HT), uncovering ₦2.5 million in cash in the possession of Mr. Joe-Stans . In an initial interrogation, he reportedly confessed to receiving the funds from a figure he referred to only as “Political Solution,” citing that the cash collection occurred at Kehoy Hotel, Iperu, under the instruction of a supervisor .
Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo has since ordered the suspects’ transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further discreet investigations and assured the public of ongoing monitoring .
Why This Matters
1. Electoral Integrity Under Fire
The arrest of INEC personnel—who should be safeguarding the election—raises profound concerns about the neutrality of electoral administrators and the systemic vulnerabilities enabling vote manipulation.
2. Emerging Pattern of 'Political Logistics'
The invocation of a nebulous entity termed “Political Solution” suggests the possibility of organized vote-related monetary transactions, complicating efforts to distinguish between sympathizers’ support and inducement.
3. Implications for Future Elections
This incident, especially amid by-elections across Nigeria featuring similar arrests and allegations, underscores risks that may erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This sharply reported incident not only compromises the perceived integrity of the Iperu Remo by-election but also raises a red flag for Nigeria’s broader electoral system. As investigations continue, the coming weeks will be critical to determining whether this is an isolated exploit or a symptom of a deeper institutional malaise that demands urgent reform.
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