The Lagos State High Court has handed down a one-year imprisonment sentence to Wahab Hammed, a 70-year-old chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for vote-buying. Hammed, a ward leader in Surulere for the APC, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to a report by The Sun, Justice Ismail Ijelu delivered the sentence after reviewing the facts in the case. The EFCC accused Hammed of violating Sections 121 (1) and (5); 121 (1) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, alleging vote-buying and bribery during the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

Prosecution counsel Samuel Daji detailed how Hammed, along with Segun Ijitola, who remains at large, conspired to bribe voters on February 25 at Unit 28, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Surulere. According to Daji, EFCC officers on election monitoring duties received intelligence about vote-buying at the polling unit, leading to Hammed’s arrest with N121,000 in his possession.

During the court proceedings, an interpreter assisted Hammed, who claimed not to understand English or pidgin. Upon being questioned by Judge Ijelu, Hammed confirmed his understanding of the facts presented against him.

Before sentencing, Hammed, in tears, pleaded for mercy, citing his age, health conditions, and an upcoming surgery. He expressed regret and promised never to engage in such acts again. His counsel, Olabiyi Ademola, also pleaded for leniency, highlighting his remorse.

Judge Ijelu, acknowledging Hammed’s pleas, sentenced him to one year in prison but offered an alternative of N500,000 for each of the two counts charged against him. This sentencing marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against electoral malpractice and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity.