Security agents in Kaduna have arrested a man found with over N25.9 million allegedly set aside for vote buying ahead of the by-elections in the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up around 3:30 am on Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. He was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force working with the Department of State Services.
Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that the money was meant to influence voters during the elections. The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed that Patangi had confessed to the crime.
“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,” Hassan said.
He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, as warning against acts that could compromise the credibility of the elections. “We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law,” the CP said.
The Command further cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence, vote buying, or any attempt to disrupt the polls. It said credible intelligence had been received about plans by some groups to instigate unrest, but security operatives had been deployed to polling units, collation centres and 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 statement added.
Police authorities assured residents of their safety during and after the elections and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote without fear.
