Detectives attached to the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have reportedly questioned the Senior Special Assistant on Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, and detained an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged unauthorised release of a voter registration record.
According to police sources familiar with the investigation, the matter arose from a petition alleging cyber-related offences and the unlawful disclosure of confidential documents containing the personal information of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly on the investigation, disclosed that detectives are examining the circumstances surrounding the release and circulation of the voter registration record, as well as possible breaches of data protection and privacy regulations.
It was gathered that the detained INEC official is being questioned over his alleged role in the release of the document, while Olayinka was invited by investigators to provide information that may assist in the ongoing probe.
The investigation is said to be focused on determining whether due process was followed in accessing and disseminating the voter registration information and whether any provisions of the law relating to cybercrime, data privacy, or the handling of confidential government records were violated.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor INEC had issued an official statement on the matter. Similarly, Olayinka had not publicly commented on the reported interrogation.
The development has generated public interest, particularly amid growing concerns over the protection of personal data and the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information in the digital age.
Investigations are ongoing.
