Security agencies launch full probe into alleged misuse of electoral database after sensitive voter details surface online.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged leakage of classified voter information, deepening concerns about the security of the country’s electoral data.

Police investigators also questioned Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his alleged role in circulating voter registration details on social media.

The case is being handled by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), with authorities probing suspected cyber-related offences, database misuse, and the unlawful disclosure of sensitive electoral documents.

The controversy erupted after Olayinka posted screenshots online purportedly showing a voter transfer involving Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike, from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory.

INEC has since dismissed claims of a system hack, maintaining that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database remains secure. The commission said preliminary findings point instead to the misuse of authorised internal access by one of its officials.

Investigators reportedly discovered that the arrested INEC staff member initiated contact with Olayinka via social media before transmitting voter-related documents through messaging platforms.

Olayinka, in his statement to investigators, reportedly said he had no prior relationship with the official and was unaware that the documents shared with him were classified.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has opened a parallel investigation, signaling the seriousness of the breach as security agencies work to determine the scope and implications of the alleged data leak.