Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been questioned by police investigators over the controversial release of voter information from the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The interrogation was carried out on Tuesday by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, authorities are probing alleged cyber infractions, unauthorised use of a government database and the disclosure of classified national documents.
An INEC official, whose identity has not been disclosed, is also being held by investigators in connection with the case.
The investigation followed a formal complaint reportedly submitted on behalf of INEC, alleging criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation and the leaking of sensitive documents.
How the controversy started
The case gained attention after Olayinka posted screenshots on X showing details of actor-turned-politician Emeka Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory.
Olayinka used the information to question Ike’s eligibility to contest a House of Representatives seat in the FCT after the actor criticised the conduct of primary elections within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The disclosure triggered public backlash, with critics alleging that Olayinka had gained access to an internal INEC platform reserved for authorised officials.
However, INEC said there was no evidence of a major cyber breach or external hacking of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database. The commission stated that the information became public through the misuse of legitimate internal credentials by authorised personnel.
INEC official reportedly supplied document
Sources familiar with the investigation said the detained electoral officer allegedly contacted Olayinka through Facebook Messenger and later shared the voter registration document via WhatsApp.
The official reportedly wanted to provide evidence that Ike’s voter registration transfer request had only recently been initiated and had not yet received approval.
During questioning, Olayinka is said to have told investigators that he had no prior relationship with the electoral officer and was unaware the document was classified.
Sources added that the FCT minister’s spokesman maintained that he was never informed the material was privileged information.
Possible charges
Beyond the police investigation, the Department of State Services (DSS) is also examining the circumstances surrounding the release of the voter data.
Investigators are reportedly considering charges against both Olayinka and the electoral officer, including criminal conspiracy, cyber-related offences, unlawful sharing of classified documents and actions capable of causing a breach of peace.
