Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has been interrogated by police over the leak of voter data from INEC’s portal. A yet‑to‑be‑identified INEC official has also been detained. The investigation follows a formal complaint by INEC alleging criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation, and leak of classified documents. Olayinka had shared screenshots of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s voter registration details on X. The electoral officer reportedly initiated contact with Olayinka and shared the document via WhatsApp. The police are considering charging both with criminal conspiracy and breach of peace.
Key Points:
- An INEC official leaking data to a political aide undermines public trust in the electoral body.
- The case could set a precedent for prosecuting insider‑assisted data breaches.
- Political actors may think twice before weaponising voter information.
- The detention of an INEC official signals that internal complicity will be punished.
- The DSS is also investigating, indicating the case’s national security importance.
Both suspects may face criminal charges as police complete their investigation and the DSS continues its independent probe.
Sources: The Cable, Vanguard
