The State Security Service, SSS have unraveled the mystery behind the loss of Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines and other materials belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which were used during the last April’s general elections in Lagos state.

The Service said the missing items were found in Computer Village in Ikeja area of the state.

Addressing newsmen at its office, SSS Director, Lagos State, Mr. Achu Ben Olaye, said the service swung into action after a complaint was made by INEC that some DDC machines, Internal Hard Disks Drives, HDD, and computer batteries were stolen from its central store in Lagos State.

He said: “A full-scale investigation by this service into the matter was established and it led to the arrest of a Lagos-based syndicate made up of an INEC staff and his collaborators, who have been stealing and trading in the missing items since May, 2011.” Mr. Olaye also, identified members of the syndicate as Rafiu Atanda Osunware (INEC staff), Busayo Anyankolu, Bayo Akomolafe and Okoro Ifeanyichukwu, Chukwunwike Onwurah and Ugwaka Emeka.

The Director said“Osunware who is a staff and a store keeper of INEC in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, have been the act of stealing sensitive INEC materials which are yet to be declassified by the federal government, since May, 2011, and he sold them to Akomolafe, a floor boy at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos , at the rate of three thousand naira per units. Akomolafe, then source for other buyers of the materials, whose names are mention above.”

He further noted that the suspects have made valuable statements and will soon be charged to a competent court of law.

He called on citizens of the country to remain alert and continue to help in the fight against criminality. “We want to therefore enjoin Nigerians to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies as we partner in the business of securing our nation and its assets.”