Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been interrogated by police over the alleged leak of voter data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
Investigators from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) reportedly questioned Olayinka on Tuesday at the Police Headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged cyber-related offences and unauthorised access to sensitive government data.
According to sources familiar with the probe, the interrogation is linked to allegations of cyber infractions, misuse of official databases, and the disclosure of classified national documents.
A yet-to-be-identified electoral officer has also been detained in connection with the incident.
The investigation followed a formal petition reportedly submitted on behalf of INEC, raising concerns over alleged criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation, and the unauthorised release of sensitive electoral records.
Olayinka had earlier shared screenshots on X showing details of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory. He used the post to question the actor’s eligibility in a House of Representatives race.
His post triggered widespread criticism, with Nigerians accusing him of accessing restricted INEC systems without authorization.
INEC later issued a statement denying any major cyber breach, explaining that the incident stemmed from misuse of valid internal credentials rather than external hacking of its voter database.
Sources also revealed that an INEC official allegedly contacted Olayinka to provide what he described as “evidence” regarding the actor’s voter registration transfer status, which was still pending approval.
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The official was said to have initially reached out via Facebook Messenger before sending documents through WhatsApp.
During police interrogation, Olayinka reportedly denied prior knowledge of the electoral officer involved, insisting he was unaware that the information shared was classified.
He also maintained that he did not know the documents were restricted at the time they were published.
Security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), are also said to be investigating the matter.
The Nigeria Police Force is reportedly considering charges including criminal conspiracy, cyber offences, unlawful disclosure of classified information, and breach of public peace.