Group writes INEC, demands name of forensic expert who cleared chairman’s X account

The Foundation for Digital Justice has filed a Freedom of Information request asking the Independent National Electoral Commission to name the forensic cybersecurity expert who investigated an X account allegedly linked to its chairman, Joash Amupitan.

In a letter dated April 21 and addressed to Amupitan, the non-profit demanded a certified copy of the full forensic report, the expert’s name and professional profile, and the engagement letter detailing the scope of work.

The move comes a week after INEC declared that the X handle @joashamupitan and posts attributed to the chairman were “fake and forensically unverifiable.” The commission said it commissioned an independent expert who ran a “multi-layered” probe using X platform data, internet archives, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis.

Controversy erupted April 10 when screenshots circulated online alleging Amupitan ran the account and replied “Victory is sure” to a post by APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel. Other screenshots showing emails, phone numbers, OPay details and a BVN were shared as proof of ownership.

The foundation is not stopping at the expert’s identity. Its FOI letter also requests the total amount INEC paid for the probe, a breakdown of payments, procurement records showing how the expert was selected, and internal certificates of completion.

“We are confident that these requests will be treated urgently in line with the 7 days rule stipulated under Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011,” wrote Moses Alabi, the group’s legal manager.

He warned of legal action if INEC fails to respond within the statutory timeframe, saying the group would act “in furtherance of public interest.”

TheCable confirmed the letter was received and stamped by the office of the INEC chairman.

INEC had not issued a public response to the FOI request at press time Tuesday.