Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have apprehended an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State for alleged extortion of members of the public.
It was learnt that the security staff was arrested for the offence at the INEC office in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the commission in the state, Ms Geraldine Ekelemu who reacted on behalf of the resident electoral commissioner, Mr. Obong Efanga said: “INEC in Rivers State can confirm that one of its security guards attached to its Obio/Akpor area office, has been arrested by agents of the DSS on allegation of extortion of money from members of the public.
“INEC has a zero tolerance to acts of extortion by its staff and would ensure that the security agencies investigate this and any other allegations of illegality by its officials to ensure that every infraction is redressed and punished.
She enjoined members of the public to report any form of extortion by a staff to the commission.
Besides, Ekelemu advised members of the public to avoid acts of desperation that could make them vulnerable to fraudsters.
