Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a man, Shehu Aliyu-Patangi, suspected of attempting to buy votes with cash ahead of Saturday’s by-elections.
The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other sister agencies.
According to Hassan, Aliyu-Patangi was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
During the operation, operatives recovered ₦25.9 million in cash, allegedly set aside for inducing voters.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect intended to use the money to bribe eligible voters,” Hassan stated, adding that Aliyu-Patangi had confessed to the act during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, praised the synergy among security agencies, stressing the command’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He also warned that anyone caught attempting to compromise the elections, regardless of status, would face the full weight of the law.
“The command assures residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections and urges citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear,” the statement added.