Oyo gubernatorial poll: immigration officials nab four foreigners over electoral offences

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service on Thursday in Ibadan paraded four foreigners who were arrested by officers of the command during last Tuesday's governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

The foreigners allegedly violated the Electoral Act which forbids foreign nationals residing in the country from participating in the electoral process.

The suspects, including two Ghanaians and two Beninoise were apprehended in Oyo township and Ring Road area of Ibadan, the state capital, while trying to vote.

The State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Joseph Olaitan expressed dismay at the conduct of the foreigners despite the aggressive campaign and sensitization embarked upon by the command on the prohibition of foreigners from participating in the electoral process.

Olaitan gave the names of the suspects as Joseph Aparu and Emmanuel Aparu,(Ghanaians); Hussein Ibrahim and Cecilia Ishola, (Beninoise)

The Immigration Comptroller recalled that the state command had repatriated four nationals of Benin Republic, who were apprehended for participating in the last registration of voters.

One of the paraded suspects, Cecilia, said she was persuaded to register and vote during the election, since according to her, she has been married to a Nigerian for almost 15 years.