A major electoral malpractice attempt was thwarted in Kaduna as security operatives arrested an APC man allegedly involved in vote-buying, with over ₦25.9 million in cash seized from him.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Saturday at a well-known hotel along Turunku Road in the Kaduna metropolis. The arrest was carried out by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), in coordination with other security agencies.
According to a statement by DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, a total of ₦25,963,000 was recovered from Patangi. He reportedly admitted during interrogation that the money was meant to bribe voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency during the by-elections scheduled for the same day.
Patangi also pleaded for leniency following his confession.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the joint efforts of the security agencies and reaffirmed that any individual, regardless of status, caught attempting to influence the election illegally would face strict legal consequences.
He further assured the public that security measures had been reinforced across all sensitive areas to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
The police urged voters to come out peacefully to cast their ballots without fear, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of security forces to protect lives, property, and the overall integrity of the electoral process throughout the election period.
