Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer with N25,963,000 ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the huge cash was meant to induce voters and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Police spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect had already confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, Hassan said, “The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.”
The Commissioner further warned that the Command would not spare anyone caught engaging in vote buying, thuggery, violence, or any illegal act aimed at subverting the polls.
Meanwhile, security agencies disclosed that credible intelligence indicated plans by some politicians to instigate unrest. Personnel have since been deployed to polling units, collation centres, and other flashpoints across the state to maintain peace.
The police also assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections, urging citizens to come out and exercise their civic duty peacefully.
