Security agencies in Kaduna have arrested a man identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi with a huge sum of money believed to be for vote buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in the state. The suspect was caught with N25,963,000 in cash, just hours before the polls opened.
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Confirming the development, the Kaduna State Police Command said preliminary findings suggest the money was meant to influence voters and manipulate the outcome of the election.
The arrest took place around 3:30 a.m. at a well-known hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, working jointly with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), carried out the operation that led to Patangi’s arrest.
Police Commissioner Rabiu Muhammad disclosed that the suspect had admitted to the crime and begged for mercy. He, however, stressed that security agencies will not tolerate any attempt to derail the electoral process, warning that violators would be dealt with in line with the law.
In preparation for the polls, Muhammad noted that security personnel had already been stationed at polling units, collation centers, and other sensitive areas across the state following intelligence reports of possible disturbances.
The Police Command reassured Kaduna residents of their safety throughout the election period, urging citizens to turn out and exercise their franchise peacefully.
