The Kaduna State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a man allegedly in possession of N25.9 million intended for vote-buying during the state’s by-election.
In a statement on Saturday, police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
“At about 0330hrs today, we arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis,” the statement read.
“We recovered a total cash sum of twenty-five million, nine hundred and sixty-three thousand naira (N25,963,000) from the suspect; the money is believed to have been earmarked for inducing voters to compromise the electoral process. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.”
Rabiu Muhammad, the state commissioner of police, praised the DSS for its collaboration, noting that the synergy and swift action led to the arrest.
He warned that anyone seeking to manipulate the electoral process “regardless of status” would be dealt with decisively.
Muhammad further assured Kaduna residents of the security agencies’ commitment to ensuring credible elections before, during, and after the polls.
