Security operatives in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria’s hotbed of political activities, have arrested a suspected vote buyer, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, in possession of N25,963,000 cash.
This arrest occurred barely hours before the conduct of Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.
The suspect, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. 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 have revealed that the large sum of money was intended to induce voters and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Police spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect had already confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, as saying, “The suspect was arrested with the 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, the Command issued a warning to political actors and their supporters to refrain from acts of violence or disruptions during the elections.
It disclosed that credible intelligence indicated plans by some politicians to instigate unrest.
In response, security agencies have deployed personnel to polling units, collation centres, and other strategic flashpoints across the state.
“The Command will deal decisively with troublemakers. Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in violence, intimidation, vote buying, or thuggery will be arrested and prosecuted,” the police said in a statement.
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.
