By Jamiu Yusuf
KADUNA: Security agencies in Kaduna State have arrested a man allegedly attempting to influence Saturday’s bye-elections with cash totalling ₦25.96 million.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was arrested around 3:30am at a hotel along Turunku Road by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services DSS.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary findings indicate the money was meant to sway voters during the polls.
Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect admitted to the offence during questioning and pleaded for leniency.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, Hassan stressed that the command would not tolerate attempts to compromise the integrity of the electoral process through vote buying, violence, or other unlawful activities.
“The suspect was arrested with a huge sum of money intended for bribing voters. He has confessed to the act. We want to make it clear that anyone caught trying to undermine the elections will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the CP warned.
Meanwhile, the command cautioned politicians and their supporters against inciting violence or engaging in actions capable of disrupting the polls. It disclosed that intelligence reports point to plans by some groups to cause unrest, adding that security personnel had been deployed to polling units, collation centres and identified flashpoints.
“The Police will not hesitate to clamp down on troublemakers, no matter their status. Acts of intimidation, thuggery, or electoral malpractice will attract immediate arrest and prosecution,” the statement read.
The command assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the elections, urging eligible voters to turn out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear.
