Kaduna Police Arrest Suspect with ₦25m for Alleged Vote-Buying

Security operatives in Kaduna State have apprehended a suspected political agent allegedly in possession of about ₦25 million intended for vote-buying ahead of today’s bye-elections.

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed that the suspect, identified as Shehu Patangi, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. According to the police, Patangi was allegedly coordinating the distribution of funds meant to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.

“The sum of ₦25,963,000 was recovered from the suspect, believed to be earmarked to induce voters to compromise the electoral process,” the statement disclosed.

Police further revealed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended sister security agencies for their synergy and swift collaborative efforts. He issued a stern warning that “anyone, regardless of status, found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.”

The Commissioner assured residents of maximum security before, during, and after the elections, urging them to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear or intimidation.