Anambra Issues Urgent Warning Over Fraudulent NIN Collection Scheme Targeting Voters

 

The government of Anambra State has issued a stern warning to residents about a dangerous fraudulent scheme aimed at manipulating voter data, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The warning comes after the state discovered that individuals and groups are deceptively collecting people’s National Identification Numbers (NINs) under the false pretense of a revalidation exercise supposedly sanctioned by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

In a press release dated Tuesday, Dr. Law Mefor, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, clarified that the alleged revalidation process is non-existent. His statement was based on direct inquiries made to the NIMC, which confirmed that no such revalidation exercise is currently taking place. This revelation has raised significant concerns about the intentions behind the ongoing collection of NINs across communities in Anambra.

The fraudulent activity appears to be part of a wider plot orchestrated by political agents, who are reportedly hiring individuals to collect sensitive personal data from unsuspecting citizens. Investigations by the state government suggest that the purpose behind the NIN collection is to manipulate voter information by overriding existing Voter Cards in the national database. This would allow the criminals to create new, fraudulent Voter Cards in the names of the legitimate cardholders, effectively rendering the original holders disenfranchised in upcoming elections.

Dr. Mefor explained the ramifications of this scheme, emphasizing that such manipulation would have a devastating impact on the integrity of the electoral process, particularly as the 2025 general elections draw near. According to him, the fraudsters would be able to vote using the new, illegally obtained Voter Cards, while the legitimate voters would be unable to cast their ballots because their original data would have been overwritten.

“This fraudulent act not only threatens the security of voter data but also poses a serious threat to democracy in our state,” Dr. Mefor stated. “The integrity of our elections is at stake, and we must act now to prevent this from undermining the upcoming elections.”

The government is taking immediate steps to curb this menace by urging every resident to be on high alert. Dr. Mefor has called on all citizens to refuse to share their NINs with anyone unless they are certain of the legitimacy of the request. He stressed that the NIMC has not authorized any revalidation exercises and warned that any such solicitation is likely part of the fraudulent scheme.

To further address this growing threat, the state government has activated a swift response mechanism for citizens who are approached by anyone requesting their NINs under suspicious circumstances. The government has directed all residents to immediately report such incidents by calling the state’s security emergency number, 5111. This will ensure prompt intervention by security agencies and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal activities.

The Commissioner also made it clear that any individual or group found guilty of participating in this illegal scheme—whether as a data collector or a political sponsor—will face severe legal consequences. “We will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate the electoral system or compromise the rights of our citizens,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of the data and voting rights of Anambra’s residents.

In addition to government action, community leaders, traditional rulers, and town union executives have been urged to mobilize their people and raise awareness about this fraudulent scheme. It is crucial that residents understand the severity of the situation and remain informed about the tactics used by these political data thieves.

This warning comes as Anambra State prepares for what is expected to be a highly contested electoral season. The state government’s efforts to prevent identity theft and voter data manipulation are part of broader national concerns about electoral integrity, particularly as political activities intensify in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections.

In conclusion, Anambra residents have been urged to be cautious, vigilant, and proactive in safeguarding their personal information and ensuring the security of the electoral process. Any suspicious requests for NINs should be immediately reported to the authorities to prevent any further exploitation of the system. As the state approaches a critical election cycle, the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability has never been more urgent.