Police quiz Wike’s Aide over leak of INEC voter data

The Nigeria Police Force has interrogated Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over the controversial disclosure of voter information obtained from the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Olayinka was reportedly questioned on Tuesday by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) at the Police Headquarters in Abuja as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged cyber-related offences, unauthorised access to electoral records and the leakage of classified information.

A top source familiar with the probe said the investigation centres on allegations of cyber infractions, misuse of protected databases and the dissemination of sensitive national documents without authorisation.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the security of voter information managed by INEC following the circulation of screenshots showing details of a voter registration transfer involving Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike.

An electoral officer whose identity has not been disclosed has also been detained by investigators in connection with the case.

The officer is believed to have facilitated the release of the voter information that later found its way into the public domain.

According to a source, the police investigation was triggered by a formal complaint submitted on behalf of INEC, accusing those involved of criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation and the unlawful disclosure of classified electoral records.

The controversy began after Olayinka published screenshots on his X account showing details of Emeka Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory.

The information was released amid a political dispute involving the actor, who recently protested the conduct of primary elections organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and expressed interest in contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the FCT.

In his posts, Olayinka questioned Ike’s eligibility to seek elective office in the territory, citing what he described as a recent voter registration transfer.

The publication immediately sparked public outrage, with critics accusing Olayinka of gaining access to a password-protected section of INEC’s voter registration system reserved exclusively for authorised electoral officials.

The incident also raised concerns about data protection, privacy and the integrity of electoral records ahead of future elections.

However, INEC moved swiftly to address fears of a cyberattack on its systems in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The commission denied reports suggesting that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database had been hacked or compromised by external actors.

Rather, the electoral body said preliminary findings indicated that the information was disclosed through the misuse of legitimate access credentials belonging to authorised personnel within the commission.

According to the source the detained electoral officer allegedly initiated contact with Olayinka and volunteered information intended to demonstrate that Emeka Ike’s voter registration transfer request had only recently been filed and was yet to receive final approval.

The official reportedly reached out to Olayinka through Facebook Messenger before forwarding the voter registration records via WhatsApp.

Investigators are said to be examining the circumstances under which the information was shared and whether established protocols governing access to voter data were breached.

During his interrogation, Olayinka reportedly told investigators that he had no prior relationship with the electoral officer and did not know him before receiving the messages.

The source said the FCT minister’s spokesman maintained that he was unaware the documents were classified and that the electoral officer never informed him that the records were confidential or restricted.

It was gathered that the Department of State Services (DSS) has also commenced a separate inquiry into the release of the voter information and the implications for national security and electoral integrity.

Meanwhile, investigators are reportedly weighing possible criminal charges against both Olayinka and the detained electoral officer.