The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended a staff member linked to the controversial leak of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s voter information.
The commission announced the decision as investigations into the incident continue. The case sparked public concern after personal voter details belonging to the actor surfaced online.
INEC said its internal review traced the unauthorized access to a user account assigned to one of its officials involved in voter registration duties.
The electoral body explained that the account holder had legitimate access to parts of the voter registration system. However, the information was allegedly accessed and disclosed outside approved procedures.
INEC maintained that its database was not hacked. Instead, preliminary findings suggest that the information was obtained through authorized login credentials.
The commission noted that registration officers are granted access to voter records to carry out official tasks. Such access, however, must only be used for approved electoral activities.
The appearance of Emeka Ike’s voter details online triggered criticism from many Nigerians. The development also raised fresh concerns about data protection and the security of sensitive voter information.
According to Daily Post, INEC has now suspended the staff member connected to the account while a full investigation is carried out.
The commission said disciplinary measures would follow if any officer is found to have violated its rules or abused official access.
INEC also disclosed that security agencies are investigating the matter. The electoral body pledged to cooperate fully with all inquiries.
Despite the controversy, the commission assured Nigerians that the incident did not affect the wider voter database. It added that there is no evidence that millions of voter records were compromised.
INEC said it remains committed to protecting voter information and strengthening safeguards within its registration system.
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The commission promised to make the outcome of its investigation public after the process is completed.
