Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer carrying over ₦25.9 million cash allegedly intended to compromise Saturday’s bye-election in the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis by a joint team of Police and Department of State Services operatives working with other security agencies.
Kaduna Police Command spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the arrest in a statement Saturday, revealing that exactly ₦25,963,000 was recovered from the suspect.
According to Hassan, the substantial sum was believed to be earmarked for inducing voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election scheduled for the same day.
“The suspect confessed during interrogation that the money was intended for bribing eligible voters, adding that he pleaded for leniency,” Hassan stated.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad praised the collaboration among security agencies and warned that anyone attempting to undermine the electoral process would face severe consequences regardless of their political connections.
“Regardless of political status, anyone caught trying to compromise the election will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Muhammad declared.
The police commissioner assured residents that security measures had been intensified across all potential flashpoints to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to prevent electoral malpractices and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Security operatives urged eligible voters in the state to participate peacefully in the election without fear of intimidation, emphasizing their commitment to protecting both lives and property throughout the electoral period.
The development underscores the significant financial resources some individuals are willing to deploy to influence electoral outcomes, with the recovered amount representing a substantial sum in the context of Nigerian politics.
The joint operation demonstrates improved coordination among various security agencies in combating electoral fraud and vote buying, practices that have long undermined the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process before, during, and after the elections, sending a strong message to potential electoral offenders.
