The Head of Operation an three officials of the? Independent National Electoral (INEC) were yesterday arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Benin, for allegedly receiving N2m bribe to falsify ballot papers.
The INEC officials, Chinedu Nwankwo (46), Henry Anozie (38) and Obiorah Enebeli (32) were brought before the court on a three-count charge in suit No FHC/B/109/2011.
But Enebeli and Anozie were granted bail in the sum of N600, 000. They were also directed to produce two sureties each with evidence of being owners of landed properties in the state.
The prosecution had alleged that the trio received N2m from one Ted Edwards, lawyer to INEC at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Edo State to falsify documents used during the April 9, Nation Assembly Election, in Ovia Federal Constituency.
But Nwankwo was not present in court as the police said he was hospitalized, while Edwards is said to be at large.
They were alleged to have falsified ballot papers brought before the Tribunal in the petition filed by Charity Amanyanevbo of the Peoples Democratic Party against the election of Isaac Osahon of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
But the accused pleaded not guilty just as Justice Adam Hon granted them temporary freedom.
The case has been adjourned till March 15, 2012.