Operatives of the Nigerian police force in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS) in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer in possession of N25,963,000.
This arrest was carried out barely hours before the conduct of Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in the Kaduna metropolis.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary investigations found that the large sum of money was intended to entice voters and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
DSP Mansir Hassan, a police spokesman, confirmed the arrest, stressing that the subject had already confessed and appealed for leniency.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, as saying, “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 stated that the command will not spare anyone discovered engaged in vote buying, thuggery, violence, or any other criminal act aimed at undermining the elections.
Meanwhile, the Command warned political actors and supporters not to engage in acts of violence or disturb the polls.
It was revealed that credible intelligence suggested plans by some leaders to incite unrest.
In response, security services have sent people to polling stations, collation centres, and other important flashpoints throughout 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 appropriate protection before, during, and after the polls, encouraging citizens to participate peacefully.
