Kaduna bye-election: Suspected vote buyer arrested with N25.9m cash
Security operatives in Kaduna have apprehended a suspected vote buyer, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, for allegedly possessing a staggering N25,963,000.
The arrest took place around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road, just hours before the scheduled bye-elections in various parts of the state.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, initial investigations suggest that the substantial amount was intended to bribe voters and undermine the electoral process.
Police spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed that the suspect has confessed to the crime and is seeking leniency from authorities.
“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,” noted Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad. He emphasized that anyone attempting to thwart the electoral process would face severe consequences.
The Commissioner further cautioned political actors and their supporters against engaging in any form of violence or disruption during the elections, highlighting credible intelligence of planned unrest by some politicians.
In response, security agencies have deployed personnel to polling units, collation centers, and other strategic locations 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,” stated the police.
They reassured residents of sufficient security measures in place before, during, and after the elections, encouraging citizens to participate peacefully in the democratic process.
Source: PUNCH
