- Detectives from the Force Intelligence Department questioned Lere Olayinka over the alleged disclosure of voter registration records belonging to Emeka Ike
- An INEC electoral officer was detained as investigators examined claims of unauthorised access to confidential voter information
- The controversy sparked nationwide debate over data privacy, electoral transparency, and the protection of sensitive voter records in Nigeria
Detectives attached to the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have questioned the Senior Special Assistant on Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, and detained an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged unauthorised release of confidential voter registration information belonging to actor and politician Emeka Ike.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the probe followed a petition alleging cyber-related offences, unlawful disclosure of confidential records and actions capable of breaching public peace.
The detained official, identified as an Electoral Officer serving in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), is reportedly being investigated for allegedly accessing and sharing confidential voter registration records during a political dispute linked to a party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory.
Sources disclosed that the controversy began on May 29, 2026, when protesters gathered at an INEC office in AMAC, alleging irregularities in an ongoing primary election. According to investigators, the electoral officer subsequently accessed voter registration information relating to Emeka Ike, who was reportedly among those involved in the protest.
The officer allegedly directed a subordinate to obtain a screenshot of Ike’s details from the INEC Voter Enrolment Device, a platform used for voter registration management.
Investigators further claimed that the information was later shared with Olayinka after the two allegedly communicated through Facebook Messenger before continuing their conversation on WhatsApp.
A source familiar with the case alleged that the electoral officer, angered by the conduct of protesters at the INEC office, bypassed official procedures and forwarded the confidential document to the FCT minister’s aide.
During questioning, Olayinka reportedly acknowledged posting videos of the protest on social media. According to sources, he stated that the electoral officer contacted him to complain that INEC was being unfairly criticised by individuals who allegedly did not meet voter eligibility requirements in the FCT.
The aide allegedly told investigators that the official subsequently forwarded documents intended to support those claims.
Investigators are also examining allegations that portions of the WhatsApp conversation were deleted after the leaked documents became the subject of public controversy. Sources said forensic analysis allegedly recovered some of the deleted communications.
While the AMAC electoral officer remains in custody as investigations continue, Olayinka was reportedly granted administrative bail after honouring a police invitation.
Confirming the development, Olayinka said he cooperated with investigators.
“I was invited yesterday, and as a law-abiding citizen, I honoured the invitation,” he stated, declining further comment on the ongoing investigation.
The controversy gained national attention on May 30 after Olayinka posted on social media platform X that Emeka Ike had recently transferred his voter registration from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory. He questioned the actor’s eligibility to contest for a House of Representatives seat in Abuja and attached documents that critics alleged originated from INEC’s restricted administrative records.
The disclosure triggered widespread criticism, with many social media users raising concerns about data privacy and the security of voter information.
In response, Emeka Ike accused Olayinka of exposing his personal data and indicated that he was considering legal action over the alleged breach.
The incident has also drawn reactions from prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, further intensifying debate over data protection, electoral transparency and the handling of sensitive voter information in Nigeria.
Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the status of the investigation. However, sources say inquiries remain ongoing as investigators seek to determine whether any laws relating to cybercrime, privacy and the protection of official records were violated.