Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate and prosecute electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and other offenses linked to the 2023 general elections. The ruling came in response to a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, it was noted that Justice Egwuatu has also ordered INEC to “identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure their effective prosecution.”
The court emphasized the need for an independent investigation into electoral violence and other offenses involving state governors and their deputies during the 2023 elections. Additionally, INEC was instructed to appoint independent counsel for these investigations.
Justice Egwuatu’s judgment, dated July 18, 2024, further instructs INEC to “swiftly prosecute all arrested offenders” currently in custody of various law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“I have compassionately evaluated the depositions in the affidavit of SERAP and found them credible, supported by documentary evidence,” Justice Egwuatu stated. He acknowledged SERAP’s “great zeal of patriotism” in seeking to address electoral violence, which he identified as a significant obstacle to credible elections and democratic development in Nigeria.
Justice Egwuatu concluded that SERAP’s application for judicial review and mandamus was justified, granting the reliefs sought and underscoring the importance of addressing electoral violence to enhance Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress.
