News
eVoting Innovators Demand N77Bn from INEC, FG for Alleged Suppressed Proposal
Dr Adah Edache Obekpa, US-based medical professional, and Renaissance Network Africa (RNA) have filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) over alleged suppression of their contributions to the introduction of electronic voting (E-voting) in Nigeria.
Dr Obekpa stated that RNA, an organisation working for the unification of Africa and its Diaspora through trade, tourism, and innovative endeavours, claimed to have proposed the E-voting system to INEC in 2010 and presented the “Renaissance I-voting Proposal for INEC” to Prof Mahmud Jega on behalf of INEC in October 2010.
A statement issued on Sunday, April 2, 2023 by Jonathan Akeme, the innovator’s lawyers, further noted that Dr. Adah Edache Obekpa and Renaissance Network Africa (RNA), firmly believe in the rights of creators to benefit from and be recognised for their innovative contributions,”.
“They view INEC’s actions in circumventing their pioneering I-voting proposal as a violation of these fundamental rights.
The statement further noted that: “Our legal action seeks to protect not only our clients’ interests but also to uphold the principles of transparency, justice, and fair recognition for inventors and innovators.
“It is our belief that these values must be honored and defended in this matter,” he ended.
The proposal, prepared by Layer3, was given comprehensive media coverage with a special news briefing on the subject matter hosted by Dr Obekpa at the Unity Hall of Reiz Continental Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja, on October 23, 2010.
According to Dr Obekpa and RNA, the I-voting proposal for INEC is the same in contents, features, design, and operation as the Biometric Verification System (BIVAS) tech device and INEC online result viewing portal (IReV).
They alleged that the failure of the BIVAS and IReV, as well as the lack of complete transparency in the just-concluded 2023 general elections, is a result of INEC’s refusal to adopt salient security features contained in the I-voting proposal submitted to the commission.
The plaintiffs alleged that INEC jettisoned the system protocol’s transparency features, including using another iPhone as a hidden camera discreetly placed in the polling booth where the ballot box resides.
Its purpose is to record the whole electoral process and the voters as they vote. They also allege that the sharing of polling unit results with political parties and the media in real-time when the results are sent to INEC’s server was not adopted by INEC.
Dr Obekpa and RNA are aggrieved that they have neither received any credit from INEC nor been recognised by the FGN for being the first to introduce the E-voting system to the commission as far back as 2010.
They claim that INEC deliberately suppressed all information relating to them as originators of the idea leading to the introduction of the BIVAS and IReV portals.
Dr Obekpa and RNA have accordingly approached the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court (FHC) for redress in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/391/2023 before Justice I. E. Ekwo of Court No. 7. In the said Suit instituted on their behalf by their lawyer, Jonathan Akeme, Esq, they are praying the court to direct INEC and FGN to compensate them in the sum of N77 billion for their novel and innovative I-voting proposal, which birthed the BIVAS and IReV, and to be publicly recognised.
INEC and the FGN are yet to respond to the allegations levelled against them by Dr Obekpa and RNA.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has appointed Professor Adesola Aderounmu, renowned computer scientist and technology advocate, as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics).
Professor Adesola Aderounmu
The decision, made by the university’s Senate, marks a strategic step towards aligning OAU’s academic vision with technological innovation and global best practices.
A distinguished scholar and leader in Computer Science and Engineering, Professor Aderounmu brings decades of experience to this pivotal role.
He has served as the Centre Lead for the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and the Obafemi Awolowo University Knowledge Park (OAK-Park), where he has driven initiatives that advance technological innovation and academic excellence.
His leadership journey includes serving as Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Head of the Department of Computer Science, as well as President of the Nigeria Computer Society from 2015 to 2019. Under his stewardship, the Africa Centre of Excellence in ICT (OAK-Park) was established and has flourished, positioning OAU as a hub for digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
“This is an opportunity to shape the future of education at OAU,” Professor Aderounmu stated. “I am committed to fostering an environment where ideas thrive.”
Professor Aderounmu’s appointment as DVC Academics carries significant implications for the information technology profession and industry in Nigeria and Africa.
His leadership is expected to further bridge the gap between academia and industry, aligning curriculum with emerging technological trends, and fostering research that directly addresses the needs of Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
His commitment to developing high-level ICT talent will contribute to strengthening the nation’s capacity in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital entrepreneurship.
As Nigeria and Africa continue to embrace digital transformation, this appointment signals a continued push for collaboration between universities and the technology industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with globally relevant skills while advancing innovative research that supports the tech ecosystem.
This appointment recognises Professor Aderounmu’s unwavering commitment to research, excellence in education, and visionary leadership, and marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing mission to deliver impactful education and innovation for national and continental development.
In a heartwarming demonstration of corporate social responsibility and community impact, IviTrybe Hearts, a key initiative driven by members of IviTrybe – a vibrant group of budding marketing communications specialists – visited the Little Saints Orphanage, Akowonjo branch.
The visit, part of IviTrybe’s ongoing commitment to societal betterment, was significantly supported by Pladis Foods Nigeria, which generously donated gift items and products.
IviTrybe is a social responsibility initiative of IVI PR, a dynamic public relations agency dedicated to not only elevating brands but also fostering positive societal impact. This initiative provides focused practical training covering brand strategy and public relations, directly addressing the critical issue of insufficiently skilled manpower within Nigeria’s Public Relations industry. Through the #IviTrybeHearts program, the group channels its growing expertise into meaningful community engagement.
During the visit, the IviTrybe Hearts team dedicated the day to creating a memorable and impactful experience for the children. Activities included extensive bonding and interaction sessions, where members engaged in games and companionship, fostering an atmosphere of joy and connection. Essential items were donated to support the orphanage’s daily needs, and motivational talks were delivered, inspiring the children with words of encouragement and hope for their futures.
Busari Toheeb Dolapo, IviTrybe Coordinator and spokesperson for the project, underscored the essence of the visit, stating, “For whom much is given, much is expected. We have been empowered through knowledge and mentorship at IVI PR, and it’s only right that we channel that privilege into making a difference. The smiles on the children’s faces today reminded us why giving back is non-negotiable.”
The management of Little Saints Orphanage expressed profound gratitude for the support and the tangible impact of the donations, emphasising how such gestures significantly improve the lives and spirits of the children under their care.
Through impactful initiatives like IviTrybe Hearts, IviTrybe continues to exemplify how youth-led action, empowered by practical training and a strong sense of responsibility, can effectively shape communities and enrich lives for the better.
Cybercrime has emerged as a dominant security concern across Africa, with more than 30 percent of all reported crimes in Western and Eastern regions linked to cyber activity, according to the newly released 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report by INTERPOL.
The report, based on data from African member states and private sector partners, reveals that two-thirds of surveyed countries describe cybercrime as constituting a medium to high share of total criminal cases.
This highlights how cyber-enabled criminal activity is evolving rapidly across the continent. The report identified alarming spikes in scam attempts, with some countries witnessing a 3,000 percent increase in suspected scam notifications in the past year.
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Cyber Crime Director, warned that the threat landscape is evolving faster than enforcement responses.
“This fourth edition of the INTERPOL African Cyber Threat Assessment provides a vital snapshot of the current situation, informed by operational intelligence, extensive law enforcement engagement, and strategic private-sector collaboration.
“It paints a clear picture of a threat landscape in flux, with emerging dangers like AI-driven fraud that demand urgent attention. No single agency or country can face these challenges alone,” Jetton stated.
In the past year, suspected scam notifications rose by up to 3,000 per cent in some African countries, according to data from Kaspersky, one of several private sector partners that work with INTERPOL’s cybercrime directorate
Online scams, particularly through phishing, are the most frequently reported cybercrimes across the continent. Ransomware attacks and Business Email Compromise (BEC) incidents are also increasing, particularly in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt.
“Ransomware detections in Africa also rose in 2024, with South Africa and Egypt suffering the highest number, at 17,849 and 12,281 detections respectively, according to data from Trend Micro, followed by other highly digitised economies such as Nigeria (3,459) and Kenya (3,030),” it stated.
Incidents included attacks on critical infrastructure, such as a breach at Kenya’s Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and on government databases, such as hacks of Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the report stated.
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