In a shocking development, Hon. Tella, a prominent official of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were apprehended in the early hours of today in Iperu, Ogun State, with a large sum of money suspected to be meant for vote-buying and electoral manipulation in the ongoing Remo Federal Constituency bye-election.

Eyewitnesses reported that security operatives intercepted the group while attempting to distribute cash to voters and party agents in a covert operation aimed at influencing the election outcome. The suspects were immediately detained, and the money was confiscated for further investigation.

The incident has sparked outrage among voters and civil society groups, who have long condemned financial inducement as a major threat to Nigeria’s electoral integrity. INEC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the commission confirmed that an internal probe has been initiated.

The police have taken the suspects into custody, and investigations are ongoing. More details will follow as the situation develops.