Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State have recovered 31 Electronic Card Readers (ECRs) believed to have been stolen from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The card readers were recovered in a bush on Rumuji-Emohua axis of the East-West Road in the state. They were allegedly thrown into the bush by thugs, believed to be working for one of the major political parties, who were fleeing to escape arrest.
It was also learnt that the hoodlums’ car left Port Harcourt for communities in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers to perfect their rigging plans, unaware of 11th hour postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
A top official of the SARS in Rivers revealed that the hoodlums, who drove in a brown Toyota Camry saloon car around 9am on Saturday, were given a hot chase by operatives of the squad, making them to escape, after throwing a bag containing the 31 card readers into the bush.
The SARS chief also revealed that operatives of the police formation continued to search the bush, leading to the later discovery and recovery of the 31 stolen card readers, which was revealed by intelligence as perpetrated by political thugs.
SARS has notified the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Obo Effanga, seeking for more information and the cooperation of the commission and its officials to ensure detailed investigation.
SARS, in the letter to the REC, with reference number: AR:3000/RVS/SARS/RVS/VOL.8/272, dated February 16, titled: ‘Investigation Activities. Re: Stolen and recovered INEC Card Readers by ASP Monday Mathias and Team,’ wrote: “The above-named detective and team are serving members of this formation and are investigating a case of suspected stolen/recovered INEC’s card readers.
“You are kindly requested to assist the team in the course of the investigation. Attached herewith are the serial numbers of the INEC’s card readers for ease of reference. Accept the best assurances of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police (Usman Belel), please.”
