By-elections: Suspected vote buyer arrested with N25.9m cash
A suspected vote buyer in possession of N25,963,000 cash have been arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State few hours before the commencement of Saturday by-elections, scheduled to hold in 16 constituencies across 12 States of the Federation.
The suspect, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was arrested at about 3:30 a.m. at a famous hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna.
Based on investigations by the police, the huge cash was intended to induce voters and compromise the integrity of the election.
According to the police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the suspect had already confessed to the crime.
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,” reiterating that no one involved in violence, vote buying, or any illegal act geared towards undermining the election would be spared.
A statement by the police command also warned political actors to desist from any act that would cause unrest during the election.
“The Command will deal decisively with troublemakers. Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in violence, intimidation, vote buying, or thuggery will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read, while assuring voters and residents of adequate security all through the exercise.
