The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says one Nasiru Idris who was arrested for being in possession of 101 permanent voter cards (PVCs) in Sokoto, has been sentenced to one year in prison.

INEC announced this on Sunday in a statement signed by Festus Okoye, its national commissioner.

“In the last couple of weeks, the police have arrested some individuals found to be in illegal possession of voter cards in some states,” the commission said.

“In one case, the police concluded the investigation and handed over the case file to the commission resulting in the successful prosecution of one Nasiru Idris at a Magistrate Court in Sokoto who was found to be in possession 101 PVCs in contravention of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2002. He has been sentenced to a year in prison.

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“Similarly, the police in Kano state have arrested a man who was found to be in possession of 367 PVCs. The suspect has been charged to court and the commission is pursuing his prosecution.”

On the collection of PVCs, INEC said it would hold a retreat in Lagos from November 28 to December 2, with all the resident electoral commissioners (RECs) in the country and would, thereafter, release the dates as well as the detailed procedure for the immediate collection of PVCs nationwide.

“The commission appreciates the patience and understanding of Nigerians, especially those who registered as voters or applied for transfer/replacement of their cards from January to July 2022. In making the cards available for collection, the commission is also working to ensure that the process is hitch-free.

“The commission wishes to reiterate that it will continue to pursue all violators of the Electoral Act and ensure they’re diligent prosecution.”