Security operatives in Kaduna intercepted a suspect with millions in cash linked to vote buying.
Authorities confirmed he admitted guilt, stressing strong action awaits anyone attempting to compromise electoral integrity.
Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a man for alleged vote buying with cash running into millions of naira. The arrest took place in the early hours of Saturday, just hours before the scheduled bye-elections in some parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up around 3:30 a.m. at a well-known hotel located along Turunku Road. The operation was carried out jointly by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the Kaduna Police Command, the suspect was caught with ₦25,963,000 in cash. Police spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that initial investigations revealed the money was intended to influence voters during the election. He added that the suspect admitted to the allegations during questioning and asked the authorities for mercy.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, Hassan emphasized that the police would take firm action against anyone trying to compromise the credibility of the election. “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,” Muhammad stated.
The Command also warned politicians and their supporters against inciting violence or engaging in unlawful activities, noting that security agencies were already in possession of credible intelligence about plans by some individuals to disrupt the exercise. The police assured residents of their commitment to maintaining law and order to ensure that the bye-election is peaceful and credible.
