Police, DSS arrest suspected vote buyer with N25.9m Ahead of Kaduna Bye-Elections

A suspected vote buyer has been arrested with N25,963,000 in cash in Kaduna metropolis, just hours before the commencement of Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.

The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed the money was allegedly intended to influence voters and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

Hassan disclosed that the suspect confessed during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.

Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, Hassan said:

“The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.”

The Police Command also issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters, urging them to refrain from any form of violence, voter inducement, or other illegal conduct. CP Muhammad noted that credible intelligence indicates some political elements may be plotting to instigate unrest.

Security agencies have pledged to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process throughout the state.