𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐂 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬

Eshioromeh Sebastian

Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the individuals behind the fabricated X account falsely linked to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, with intelligence sources confirming that tracking efforts are already at an advanced stage.

Following the release of a detailed forensic report by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday, which conclusively established that the controversial @joashamupitan account was a sophisticated fabrication, security sources have now confirmed to Spear News Nigeria that the police and Department of State Services are actively pursuing those responsible.

A senior source within the Nigeria Police Force, who spoke to Spear News Nigeria on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing, confirmed that they have been briefed about the forensic report and that tracking efforts are already at an advanced stage.

“We have been briefed about the report from INEC, and our cybercrime units are working in close coordination with the DSS to trace the origin of the alleged fabricated screenshots and identify the individuals who created and operated the fake account,” the source said.

The development has added fresh layer in the case, which began on April 10, 2026, when screenshots went viral showing an account bearing the handle @joashamupitan allegedly posting a partisan reply that read “Victory is sure.”

The post sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the INEC Chairman’s removal. However, INEC swiftly denied the claims and commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert to conduct a thorough investigation.

The findings, released on Monday, left many in surprise. Timestamp analysis revealed that the alleged reply was timestamped 13 minutes before the original post existed, a technical impossibility on any digital platform .

Legal experts have noted that the suspects, once apprehended, will face severe penalties under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The Act, which was amended in 2024 to strengthen the legal framework for combating cybercrimes, explicitly criminalizes identity theft and impersonation, computer-related forgery, and the dissemination of manipulated electronic content.

Section 22 of the Act specifically addresses identity theft and impersonation, while Section 13 covers computer-related forgery. Offenders convicted under these provisions face lengthy prison sentences, with hacking, identity theft, and online fraud now carrying jail terms of up to 10 years under the amended Act .

A cybersecurity expert and digital forensics analyst, Remi Wilfred, who has reviewed the INEC forensic report, described the findings as “textbook digital forensics.”

No digital platform allows a reply to precede the original post. That single piece of evidence, combined with the Wayback Machine results showing no archived activity before April 10, makes the case ironclad.” He further explained that the renaming of the account to @sundayvibe00 and its relabeling as a “parody account” on the same day the screenshots went viral is a classic damage-control tactic employed by impersonators to erase digital trails .

The investigation also uncovered a broader pattern of impersonation, with at least seven fake Facebook and Instagram accounts using variations of Prof. Amupitan’s name and profile photographs, some dating back to 2018, years before his appointment as INEC chairman.

Public reactions have been largely supportive of the forensic findings and the subsequent security crackdown. On social media, many Nigerians have commended INEC for its transparency and the security agencies for the investigation.

INEC has since reiterated that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal account on X and that all official communications will continue to be issued exclusively through the Commission’s verified institutional channels .

The Commission has also called on social media platforms, including X, Meta, and Instagram, to adopt fast-track impersonation response protocols for verified electoral bodies and senior public officials, whose identities can be exploited to distort democratic processes.

As the manhunt continues, security sources have assured the public that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. “We are leaving no stone unturned,” the police source told Spear News Nigeria. “Those who think they can hide behind the anonymity of the internet to destabilize this country should think again.