Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer with cash totalling ₦25.9 million, just hours before the scheduled bye-elections in parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was caught around 3:30 am on Saturday, August 15, at a hotel along Turunku Road. He was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the money was meant for inducing voters to compromise the electoral process. The suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not spare anyone involved in vote buying, violence, or any act capable of undermining the election. He stressed that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Police also revealed that they had received credible intelligence about plans by some politicians to instigate unrest during the elections. To prevent this, security personnel have been deployed to polling units, collation centers, and other strategic points across the state.
The Police Command assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections. Citizens were urged to come out and vote peacefully without fear of intimidation.
