The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the arrest of security personnel attached to its Obio Akpor local government area office in Rivers State over allegations of extortion from members of the public intending to register for the Permanent Voter Cards.

The Public Relations Officer of INEC in Rivers State, Geraldine Ekelemu in a statement said the arrest was conducted by operatives of the Department of State Security.

Ekelemu said the commission “has zero-tolerance for acts of extortion and would ensure that security agencies investigate” the allegation of illegality by its officials to “ensure that every infraction is redressed and punished”.

The commission advised members of the public to “avoid acts of desperation that could render them vulnerable to fraudsters taking advantage of them”.

While encouraging the public to report to security agents or INEC any act of extortion by its officials, it assured that INEC offices “in Rivers State are open and attending to potential registrants while registration is also ongoing in designated locations in some wards on a rotational basis”.

The arrest followed several allegations that some officials of the commission at the Obio Akpor office were demanding money for intending voters.