The Kaduna State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected party agent in possession of ₦25.9 million allegedly meant for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s by-elections in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation was carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
According to Hassan, the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu-Patangi, was picked up at about 3:30 a.m. from a hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis, where the cash was recovered.
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“Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with the DSS, successfully apprehended a suspected vote buyer in Kaduna. Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized ₦25.9 million was intended to influence voters and compromise the electoral process,” Hassan stated.
He disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to the offence and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammad Rabiu, lauded the swift action and synergy among the security agencies, while warning that anyone caught attempting to subvert the elections would be dealt with according to the law.
The command also assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the polls, urging them to exercise their franchise peacefully without fear or intimidation.
