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DSS Accuses APC of Plot to Hack into INEC Database
Department of State Services (DSS) has said that its findings from the search of the Lagos office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November last year, alleging, among others, that the party planned to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate records.
Marilyn Ogar, DSS deputy director (Public Relations), said at a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, that after preliminary investigations, the DSS “suspects there was an elaborate and well articulated plan to inflate the party’s membership data as well as hack into INEC voter registration database.”
APC however dismissed the findings as hogwash, a great disservice to Nigeria and an embarrassment to all intelligence-gathering organisations around the world.
But Ogar said the raid on the APC’s office was carried out after a tip off that some cloning activities were going on in a building located at No. 10, Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja, Lagos, without a signpost, banner or flag to indicate that it was a party office.
She said a permit was obtained for the operation during which the DSS officials found some items, which suggested that there was a well-hatched plan to hack into the electoral body’s database and corrupt it “and replace it with their own data.”
The DSS said that from its findings, the APC plans to scythe the system in a way that would enable them to manipulate even media reports in a predetermined direction. Ogar explained that a well articulated manual to perform all these tasks were served on the hard drive recovered from the office.
She listed the items recovered from the APC’s office as “a temporary voter’s card, a permanent voter’s card and some hard drives (one of the hard drives recovered from the building contained a video of twenty-one (21) hacking tutorials.)’’
According to the DSS, the tutorial video focused on how to become a hacker and steps to take to avoid detection in the process of hacking web servers, steps and procedures of system hacking, passwords cracking, decrypting, escalating access privileges, and creating backdoors to servers.
Ogar said the video “also explicitly explained how to evade security of databases such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), firewalls and other measures put in place to deter hackers.
“The video outlined ways to identify vulnerabilities in systems and how to surreptitiously drop a USB flash drive in a target establishment, which when plugged into any computer, transmits malicious codes enough to gain access into and compromise the entire system of the target organisation. And how to hack into the systems of media houses, with the aim of broadcasting fake stories or headlines.”
While displaying pictures of underaged Nigerians allegedly registered as members of the APC, Ogar said registering underaged and infants as party members is contrary to the party’s constitution as contained in Article 9.1 which states that “membership of the party shall be open to any citizen of Nigeria who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years…”
The DSS alleged that: “Furthermore, the APC had multiple registrations of individuals in multiples of 16, 12, and 10.”
According to the DSS spokesperson, it was also discovered that some foreigners as well as security operatives were registered members of the party thereby putting a question mark on their understanding of the legitimate provision that all security personnel in the country must not be or be seen to be partisan.
“The APC registered several security personnel from the Nigerian Army (NA), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others, in their uniforms as members of the party. Several foreigners were also registered as its members,” the agency revealed.
The DSS expressed concern that the APC filled forms without passport photographs, and have books containing names of people with their phone numbers, as well as several envelopes containing passport photographs of various individuals.
While stating the position of the DSS that APC has plans to infiltrate the database of the electoral body “through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC’s voters’ register across the country,” Ogar reiterated that the opinion expressed by some people “on the action of the service” cannot conceal the sacrosanct of truth.
It would be recalled that when the said residence was raided last year, some officials of APC were arrested and detained by the DSS. The party, through its spokesman, Lai Mohammed, came out with a statement demanding public apology from the service and immediate announcement of its findings.
He further accused the service of seeking to manufacture evidence to support its alleged faulty intelligence by delaying the announcement after a number of days.
Mohammed was quoted to have then said: “We are now asking them to immediately announce their findings to the world. After all, it took them only a few hours after their Gestapo-like invasion of our offices before they issued their baseless allegation of PVC cloning to justify their action.”
Ogar said those arrested have being released on bail, investigation is still continuing, as the DSS would take more evidences and the information acquired from some of the suspects to court for further litigation.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Mohammed, APC also alleged that the timing of the release of the ‘findings’ was a plot orchestrated in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to distract the APC from its ongoing campaigns for next month’s elections.
It described as disingenuous, flimsy, premeditated, partisan and an irritant the conclusion that the APC had an ‘’articulated plan to inflate the party’s membership data as well as hack into INEC’s voters’ registration database through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC’s voters’ register across the country.’’
The APC statement reads in part: ‘’First the DSS and the PDP said the APC was cloning Permanent Voters Cards at the raided office, without a shred of evidence. Now, after a ‘painstaking’ investigation, the DSS has found out that the APC was only planning to inflate its membership data and then hack into INEC’s database. And this is the outcome of its massive, months-long investigations?
‘’This would have been funny if it were not from a primary domestic intelligence agency saddled with a great responsibility. Can this wishy-washy report stand any serious scrutiny? Can any serious intelligence gathering agency anywhere else in the world take this report seriously? With these kind of findings, one can now understand why Boko Haram has continued to strike at times and places of its own choosing without any prior knowledge by our all-powerful DSS.
‘’We have always warned that our democracy is in clear and present danger, not just from desperate politicians, but also from institutions of state that have compromised in their roles and resorted to crass lawlessness. The DSS’ ‘findings’ today have given us another reason to repeat this.”
‘’While we are willing to meet the DSS in court, we can confidently say that the ‘confessions’ extracted from the arrested persons, after they were subjected to incredible acts of torture, cannot even stand in any court of law,’’ APC said.
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Digital Africa Global Consult, NDPC Partner on Ground-Breaking “Nigeria Data Challenge” Initiative
In a bold and forward-looking move to embed a culture of data privacy in Nigeria’s educational landscape, Digital Africa Global Consult (DAGC), a leading technology advancement firm, on Friday, entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at launching the Nigeria Data Challenge, a pioneering, education-focused initiative designed to inculcate data protection awareness among secondary school students across the country.
The Nigeria Data Challenge is more than a knowledge dissemination campaign. It is a structured, competitive learning program that introduces students to the fundamentals of data protection and digital privacy.
By engaging learners through curriculum-based activities, practical challenges, and assessments, the program seeks to nurture a generation of data-responsible citizens well-prepared for the demands of Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, applauded Digital Africa Consult for initiating the challenge, which he described as timely and transformative.
He noted that the project complements the Commission’s existing Privacy Club Initiative in tertiary institutions and aligns with its broader mandate to cultivate a privacy-aware culture throughout Nigerian society.
“This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to build a data protection-conscious ecosystem in Nigeria. We are excited about the opportunity to reach young minds early, and this program promises to be a cornerstone in our awareness strategy,” Dr. Olatunji stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult and a seasoned advocate of digital transformation in Africa, expressed appreciation to the NDPC for embracing the vision of early-stage data literacy.
He underscored the strategic importance of data as the “new oil” of the digital economy and emphasised the need to build data consciousness from a young age to prepare Nigeria for a competitive global digital environment.
“The future belongs to nations that understand and manage data responsibly. By starting from our secondary schools, we are planting the seeds of a resilient data economy,” Dr. Woherem said.
Adding further insight, Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager of Digital Africa Global Consult, highlighted the novelty and global relevance of the Nigeria Data Challenge.
“This is the first data-focused challenge of its kind anywhere in the world, making it not only a national milestone but also a global precedent. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9, and 16, promoting quality education, industry innovation, and strong institutions,” she stated.
She also noted the urgency of addressing the indiscriminate ways data is shared and mishandled by young people, often without their full understanding of the consequences.
“This initiative comes at a time when even students are becoming both victims and agents of data breaches, consciously or unconsciously. Awareness is not optional; it is essential,” she added.
Nigeria, like many nations in Africa, is rapidly digitizing across public and private sectors. With this digital evolution comes the imperative to protect personal data and promote ethical digital practices.
The establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in 2023 signalled a new era of regulatory oversight in line with global data protection trends, including the EU’s GDPR and similar frameworks adopted in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda.
Yet, awareness of data rights and responsibilities remains low, particularly among the youth. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Data Challenge help bridge this critical knowledge gap by bringing data education into mainstream educational curricula.
The project is expected to scale through state-level rollouts and regional contests, eventually culminating in a national championship that will showcase top-performing schools and students.
This initiative arrives at a time when the digital economy is estimated to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and data-driven innovation, spanning fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and AI—continues to surge. However, this growth is threatened by weak data protection compliance and poor digital hygiene among users.
The NDPC and Digital Africa Global Consult are optimistic that this partnership will ignite similar collaborations and inspire a new frontier in civic education, one that recognises data as both a right and a responsibility.
As Nigeria positions itself to be a digital leader in Africa, the Nigeria Data Challenge may well become a benchmark model for other countries aiming to develop grassroots data governance awareness.
Tony Elumelu, chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, has called on Africa to avow itself in the fast-evolving global technology landscape, calling for deeper partnerships, infrastructure investments, and recognition of the continent’s digital potential.
Tony Elumelu, chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings,
Elumelu, who made this statement in a series of posts on his verified X handle over the weekend, questioned the continent’s current role in global tech innovation and value creation, noting that while technology is transforming the world, Africa risks being sidelined without urgent strategic action.
“We know technology is transforming our world, and the pace of transformation is accelerating. Where is Africa? Are we in the conversation, or are we being left behind?” Elumelu asked.
Citing Africa’s youthful, entrepreneurial, and digitally native population, Elumelu stressed the need for stronger global partnerships that empower African startups and tech developers to not only serve local markets but compete globally.
“Young Africans are digitally native, entrepreneurial, and hungry to build. What we need are more opportunities for partnership, more belief in our potential, and platforms to amplify our voices.
“Africa has led in digital banking and payments. Our value chains are ripe for transformation. Yet we need more investment, more platforms, and more belief in our potential.
“We know that many of the minerals that are techs’ foundation are found in Africa. But is Africa getting the benefit? Africa needs to capture the moment – ensure we have digital sovereignty – that African priorities are understood and met”
The UBA Chairman revealed that he attended an exclusive dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and global technology executives at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he sought to amplify Africa’s voice at the highest level of innovation discourse.
“I had enriching conversations with global tech CEOs, including the CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang, on how innovation can and must solve humanity’s most urgent challenges—including those facing Africa,” he said.
Elumelu used the opportunity to advocate for the continent as the next frontier of global tech investment, calling attention to Africa’s unique demographics and the imperative for inclusive innovation.
Speaking further he said through his investment company, Heirs Holdings, remains committed to Africa’s digital transformation, actively backing tech ventures such as Heirs Technologies and Redtech Limited, which are building solutions tailored for the African market while competing on a global scale.
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called on African businesses to seize the opportunities emerging within the rapidly growing global space economy, which is projected to reach one trillion dollars annually by 2030.
The appeal was made by Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general, NASRDA, during a press briefing at the weekend in advance of the second Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC 2025), scheduled to take place in Abuja from 17 to 19 June.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), will focus on the theme “Space Economy and Emerging Markets in Africa”.
Dr Adepoju highlighted that the global space economy is on the verge of surpassing $500 billion per year, making it the fastest-growing economic sector worldwide.
He stressed that Africa must position itself at the forefront of innovation, science, and technology by investing in space-related ventures.
“This is the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Africa must not be left behind.
“It is time for us to take our rightful place at the forefront of global innovation, science and technology, with space technology being the pinnacle of human endeavour.
“The space economy is the fastest growing economic sector in the world and it is projected to hit one trillion dollars per annum. Currently it’s more than 500 billion dollars annually,” he said.
The conference aims to foster collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organisations, all working to strengthen Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
Dr Adepoju praised President Bola Tinubu for his forward-thinking economic initiatives, noting the President’s directive to transform NASRDA into a revenue-generating body.
NASRDA, he said, is now committed to fully commercialising and industrialising space research. The upcoming conference is expected to attract international participants, with confirmed interest from countries such as China, the United States, and several European and African nations.
The agency is also preparing for the launch of four new satellites—three optical and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
These satellites are intended to support national security, environmental monitoring, and economic surveillance, particularly in sectors such as the blue economy and oil and gas.
Dr Adepoju encouraged private sector involvement in areas including satellite technology, data services, rocketry, and space-based applications.
He stressed that with Nigeria being Africa’s most populous country, there is already a significant market for space-related products and services, and now is the time for African businesses to build capacity, invest locally, and retain economic value.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Emeka Obegolu, ACCI President, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, chamber’s director-general, noted that Africa has yet to fully tap into the space economy’s potential.
He pointed out challenges such as limited public awareness, infrastructure gaps, and evolving policy environments, but said these issues also present opportunities for innovation and investment.
“It was with this foresight that ACCI, through our Policy Advocacy Centre, in a strategic partnership with NASRDA, conceptualised the ASEC,” he said.
Dr Haruna Mohammed, co-chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, reiterated that the event is aimed at the private sector and will showcase how space-based technologies can aid in economic diversification, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable development across the continent.
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