A voter data leak investigation by the Nigeria Police Force has resulted in the arrest of an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the interrogation of a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The probe centres on allegations of unauthorised access to and disclosure of sensitive voter registration records from INEC’s database. Authorities say the investigation is examining possible cyber-related offences, misuse of official access credentials, and the unlawful release of classified electoral information linked to the alleged voter data leak.
The Independent National Electoral Commission maintains one of Nigeria’s most sensitive national databases through its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system. The database contains personal information submitted by citizens during voter registration and transfer processes.
Access to the system is restricted to authorised personnel, and electoral records are protected under established administrative and legal frameworks. Concerns regarding the handling of voter information often attract significant public attention because of their implications for electoral integrity, privacy protection, and public trust in democratic institutions.
The latest controversy emerged following the circulation of screenshots on social media purportedly showing voter registration transfer details relating to Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike. The publication of the records generated widespread reactions and questions regarding how the information was obtained.
Senior police sources confirmed that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have commenced an investigation into allegations involving database misuse, cyber-related offences, and the unauthorised disclosure of electoral records. As part of the ongoing voter data leak investigation, an INEC electoral officer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was taken into custody by investigators. Authorities are examining allegations that the official used legitimate internal access credentials to obtain voter information before sharing it externally.
The police also questioned Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The interrogation followed a petition reportedly submitted on behalf of INEC alleging criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation, and the unlawful release of classified electoral documents.
The controversy began after Olayinka shared screenshots on social media showing what appeared to be details of a voter registration transfer involving Emeka Ike from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory. The disclosure occurred amid public debate over Ike’s eligibility to contest a House of Representatives seat in the FCT following his criticism of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary process. Many observers questioned the source of the information, arguing that the records could only have originated from INEC’s restricted database.
Responding to the controversy, INEC stated that there had been no hacking or external breach of its Continuous Voter Registration database. Instead, the commission maintained that the incident resulted from the misuse of authorised access credentials by an official who had legitimate access to the system. Investigators reportedly established that the detained electoral officer allegedly contacted Olayinka through Facebook Messenger before forwarding voter registration documents through a separate communication channel.
During questioning, Olayinka reportedly told investigators that he had no prior relationship with the INEC official. He further stated that he was unaware the documents shared with him were classified and maintained that the sender did not indicate that the information was confidential or restricted. The voter data leak investigation has also attracted the attention of the Department of State Services (DSS), which has commenced a parallel inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disclosure of the electoral records.
Police sources indicated that investigators are considering possible charges against both the electoral officer and Olayinka. The offences under review reportedly include criminal conspiracy, cyber-related offences, unlawful disclosure of classified information, and actions capable of causing a breach of public peace.
The case raises broader concerns about data protection, internal access controls, and the safeguarding of sensitive electoral information. Electoral records remain critical national assets, and any unauthorised disclosure can trigger concerns regarding privacy, institutional accountability, and public confidence in electoral processes. The ongoing voter data leak investigation is also expected to test existing safeguards governing access to sensitive government databases and the responsibilities of officials entrusted with such information.
