The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country to render pro bono services to the Commission to prosecute the alleged offenders.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this on Tuesday at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
He revealed that the commission has also received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 general election.
Yakubu stated: “We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute the alleged offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the Commission.
“They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement the Commission will provide a token amount to cover for filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, for this historic collaboration.
“Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations.”
The chairman noted that in the next few weeks, several internal debriefing meetings will be held, culminating in engagements with stakeholders.