4 arrested for snatching ballot boxes during gov polls – Army

The Nigerian Army said it arrested no fewer than 24 suspects in connection with electoral offences during the last Governorship and House Assembly elections in Imo, Abia and Cross River States.

Giving a breakdown of the suspects in a statement, Col. Sagir Musa, the army spokesman said 15 suspects were arrested in Abia State. Musa said of the 15 suspects, five were political thugs, arrested at Lokpanta while on their way to disrupt election at Lekwesi community.

The army spokesman said camouflage trousers, daggers and assorted charms were recovered from them. He said the other six suspects were arrested at Osisioma junction while they were conveying already thumb-printed ballot papers in a vehicle.

According to Musa, investigation is on to ascertain the culpability of the suspects.

Still in Abia State, Musa said troops also rescued an INEC staff abducted by hoodlums at Ohafia Technical College in Anna village.