The Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, has arrested a suspected vote buyer.
A sum of ₦25,963,000 was also recovered from him ahead of today’s bye-elections in the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
According to the police, preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect had planned to use the recovered cash to induce eligible voters.
During interrogation, Patangi reportedly confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, in a statement issued by the command PPRO, DSP Mansir Hassan, commended the synergy among security agencies, describing the arrest as a significant step in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
He warned that anyone, regardless of social status, caught attempting to undermine the elections would face the full weight of the law.
“The Command remains resolute in its duty to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election,” Muhammad stated, urging Kaduna residents to come out and exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The Kaduna Police Command reassured the public of maximum security before, during, and after the elections.
