INEC explains decision to withhold cybersecurity expert's identity in Amupitan social media probe

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has clarified its decision not to publicly name the forensic cybersecurity expert who investigated partisan social media posts allegedly linked to its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. According to Lawrence Bayode, INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, the decision is deliberate because the case has been formally handed over to the National Cybercrime Center NCCC under the Nigerian Police Force. This measure aims to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation. Bayode stated that INEC had already subjected its initial findings to "multiple layers of technical verification" before escalating the matter. The NCCC is responsible for prosecuting cybercrime-related cases and will conduct an independent review. INEC emphasized that its involvement does not end with the initial findings, as the case has been transferred for further scrutiny. This development follows online controversy sparked by screenshots claiming the INEC chairman operated an X account and made a partisan post. Additional screenshots circulated, purporting to show emails, phone numbers, BVN records, and data breach links connecting Professor Amupitan to the account. A statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, indicated that a detailed forensic investigation had exonerated Professor Amupitan, concluding that the claims were "fabricated, technically impossible and part of a coordinated disinform