Emeka Ike Voter Data Leak: Police Detain INEC Official, Quiz Wike’s Aide

Police have arrested an INEC staff member and questioned the FCT Minister’s media aide after actor Emeka Ike’s private voter information was leaked on social media.

According to Punch Newspaper report, The Force Intelligence Department is handling the case following a petition that alleged conspiracy, cyber intimidation, and the release of classified government documents.

Sources said the INEC officer for Abuja Municipal Area Council has been in custody since Tuesday. Lere Olayinka, who handles social media for the FCT Minister, was interrogated and later released on bail.

The incident began on May 29, 2026, when protesters, reportedly led by Emeka Ike, blocked the INEC AMAC office over alleged irregularities in a party primary. After the protest, the INEC officer accessed Ike’s record and directed a junior staff member to screenshot his confidential details from the Voter Enrolment Device.

The officer then contacted Olayinka on Facebook before moving to WhatsApp, where he sent a copy of Ike’s voter document. Olayinka told investigators the officer reached out first, claiming INEC was being “blackmailed” by protesters not registered in Abuja.

Forensic teams recovered parts of the WhatsApp chat that the officer deleted after the leak sparked backlash.

The issue went public on May 30 when Olayinka posted on X that Ike transferred his voter registration from Imo to the FCT on May 15, 2026, questioning his eligibility to run for a House of Reps seat. The post included images users said appeared to be from INEC’s restricted system.

Emeka Ike accuses Olayinka of sharing his private data and plans legal action. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also commented on the controversy.

Olayinka confirmed he honored the police invitation as a “law-abiding citizen” but declined further comment.

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