Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a man Shehu Aliyu-Patangi, suspected of attempting to buy votes with cash ahead of Saturday’s by-elections.
The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other sister agencies.
Hassan disclosed that the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu-Patangi, was arrested around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
During the operation, operatives recovered ₦25.9 million in cash, allegedly earmarked for inducing voters.
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“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect intended to use the money to bribe eligible voters,” Hassan stated, adding that Aliyu-Patangi had confessed to the act during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, commended the synergy among the security agencies, stressing that the command remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He warned that anyone caught attempting to compromise the elections, regardless of status, would face the full weight of the law.
“The command assures residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections and urges citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear,” the statement added.
