31 stolen INEC’s card readers recovered from Rivers’ bush

by Bisi Olaniyi

February 19, 2019

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State have recovered 31 Electronic Card Readers (ECRs) believed to have been stolen from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The SRCs were recovered in a bush on Rumuji-Emohua axis of the East-West Road in the Southsouth state. They were allegedly thrown into the bush by thugs who were fleeing to escape arrest.

The thugs were believed to be working for one of the major political parties.

SARS yesterday notified the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Mr. Obo Effanga, seeking for more information and the cooperation of the commission and its officials to ensure detailed investigation.

A top official of the SARS in Rivers, told our reporter in confidence on the telephone that the hoodlums, who drove in a brown Toyota Camry saloon car around 9am on Saturday, were given a hot chase by operatives of the squad, making them to escape, after throwing a bag containing the 31 card readers into the bush.

The SARS chief also revealed that operatives of the police formation continued to search the bush, leading to the later discovery and recovery of the 31 stolen card readers, which was revealed by intelligence as perpetrated by political thugs.

According to the SARS’ top official, the recovered card readers were still in police custody.

It was also learnt that the hoodlums’ car left Port Harcourt for communities in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers to perfect their rigging plans, unaware of 11th hour postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Rivers SARS, in a letter to the REC of INEC in the state, with reference number: AR:3000/RVS/SARS/RVS/VOL.8/272, dated February 16 and received/signed yesterday at 8 a.m. by an INEC official, titled: “Investigation Activities. Re: Stolen and recovered INEC Card Readers by ASP Monday Mathias and Team,”was signed by Rivers Commander of SARS, Mr. Akin Fakorede, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

The letter reads: “The above-named detective and team are serving members of this formation and are investigating a case of suspected stolen/recovered INEC’s card readers.

“You are kindly requested to assist the team in the course of the investigation. Attached herewith are the serial numbers of the INEC’s card readers for ease of reference. Accept the best assurances of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police (Usman Belel), please.”

When contacted for his reaction through the telephone at 7:45pm yesterday, the REC of INEC in Rivers, said: “I am still expecting the investigating SARS operatives to come to INEC office in Port Harcourt, for further details.”



The MTN line of the Director of Information and Communications of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Emma Okah, who is also the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, was not available from 7:55pm yesterday.

When contacted at 7:59 p.m. the Rivers PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Darlington Orji, said he was not aware of the recovered card readers, “talk less of knowing if they were recovered from PDP members.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/31-stolen-inecs-card-readers-recovered-from-rivers-bush/

Thank God for the order Snatch and Die.... Ballot snatchers are now running for their dear lives...

Well, If u are planning on snatching, pls also plan your will cause if you snatch, you must Die. Kai! I love tyrant Buhari.... From Onnoghen to this order, Baba be dishing it hot hot to PDP.......... Walahi, I'm finally seeing the Buhari I supported in 2015. Fck due process. Who e epp? Abeggi Baba continue following the necessary process jare

At this point, one will begin to see reasons to justify INEC decision to postpone the elections. INEC needs to look within. This appears to me like an insiders affair, otherwise, someone should have noticed and raised an alarm about missing Card Reader. Someone must have failed to do his job. I want to believe CR is part of the sensitive materials/equipment returned to INEC secured location. No check and balancing? Or they feel its unnecessary to double check records of materials/equipment that were returned with those left their storehouse.

PDP is a den of criminals

PDP and Wike which way. My experience with PDP is that they don't believe in free and fair election even if they contest without opposition, they will still try to rig.

It is clear PDP intends to rig the elections that is why they are defending riggers rights to rig

INEC will remain silent as usual till the 11th hour.

handie:
Well, If u are planning on snatching, pls also plan your will cause if you snatch, you must Die. Kai! I love tyrant Buhari.... From Onnoghen to this order, Baba be dishing it hot hot to PDP.......... Walahi, I'm finally seeing the Buhari I supported in 2015. Fck due process. Who e epp? Abeggi Baba continue following the necessary process jare

What wailers do not understand is that decision like this excites and energize Buhari base. They elected Buhari to deal ruthlessly with criminals

F

PDP AND RIGGING SHA

PDP don't have supporters they only have frustrated people who want Buhari out by all means.

There plans to win an election is only by rigging, thank God the election was postponed.

Rivers of blood.

I see vote apathy in the state

MrAJQ:
PDP don't have supporters they only have frustrated people who want Buhari out by all means.

There plans to win an election is only by rigging, thank God the election was postponed.

Leave ballot snatchers alone. PDP tells Buhari...

deji17:


What wailers do not understand is that decision like this excites and energize Buhari base. They elected Buhari to deal ruthlessly with criminals

Seriously, this is more reason we like Buhari

deji17:


Leave ballot snatchers alone. PDP tells Buhari...

Even if Atiku is caught snatching ballot box or organising thugs he will face the same treatment

PDThieves are just bunch of remorseless riggers, they fast became an epitome and household name for election rigging and they want same to continue, look at them forming all righteous in the interest of the same Nigerians they looted within an inch of their lives, running helter skelter trying to defend ballot box snatchers. You will all be SHOT! Try to escape, You will definitely be SHOT again!!!

helinues:
Rivers of blood.

I see vote apathy in the state

We will go out en masse and vote.

its okay

BUHARI IS WORKING HARD

PDP are crooks, they are broke and they are very desperate....


Awon oloshi oloriburuku

Snatch and Die... This statement pained PDP so much.

Omo this Election go HOT OOOOOOOO

PDP and desperation

So non was stolen in the North? I smell lies everywhere

Ok

ghen ghen ghen