How we investigated INEC officials, DSS tells tribunal

The Directorate of Secret Service (DSS) has explained to the National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin City how it investigated some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the February 23rd House of Representatives election in Ikpoba-Okha/Egor.

It said it contacted the Nigeria Communications Commission to do proper confirmation of the phone numbers quoted in its statement of oath.

The DSS was testifying in the petition filed by Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonyinma against the election of Hon Jude Ise-Idehen for the Ikpoba-Okha/Egor Federal Constituency seat.

Hon Ehiozuwa is asking the tribunal to declare him winner of the election.

At the last hearing, the tribunal listened to audio tape of an INEC staff making statement on how he manipulated figures for the PDP in Ward Six.

An operative of the DSS, Friday Nwinudee Dumka, who appeared on behalf of the body, tendered statements obtained from some ad hoc staff INEC, statements they gave, and the charge sheets with which they were charged to court in Abuja.

During cross-examination, Friday said the DSS investigated the INEC official in charge of Ward six Ikpoba-Okha local government, Suleiman Ikhuoria.

Friday said Suleiman personally wrote the statement tendered.

He said he didn’t visit INEC office during investigation but wrote to the Commission.

Hon Agbonyinma, however, closed his case with the testimony of the DSS operative.

Counsel to Ise-Idehen, G.C Igbokwe requested for time for him to give his exhibits to the petitioners for them to view.

He said he would call only four witnesses.

Counsel to INEC and the PDP, Akahomhe T.A and A.I Osarenkhoe respectively said they would call eight witnesses.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice O Ogundana, complained about time and adjourned hearing to August 20th, 2019.