Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a man in possession of nearly ₦26 million in cash, allegedly earmarked for vote buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in the state.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Patangi, was apprehended in the early hours of Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis, where he was reportedly coordinating the distribution of funds to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement, disclosing that operatives recovered ₦25,963,000 cash from the suspect.
According to the statement, Patangi admitted during preliminary interrogation that the funds were meant to induce voters, and he pleaded for leniency.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the swift synergy between the police and sister security agencies that led to the breakthrough.
He cautioned that the command would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process, warning that offenders — regardless of their political or social standing would face the full wrath of the law.
“Anyone caught attempting to subvert the will of the people through vote buying or other electoral malpractices will be dealt with decisively. The integrity of our elections is non-negotiable,” Muhammad declared.
The commissioner assured residents of the state that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the electoral period. He urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
“We are fully committed to ensuring maximum security before, during, and after the elections. We call on all residents to conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully,” he added.
Vote buying has remained a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s elections, with cash inducements often used to sway voters.
Election observers have consistently warned that the practice undermines democratic values and perpetuates corruption in governance.
Saturday’s arrest, a source told News Point Nigeria, may serve as a deterrent and a signal of the security agencies’ determination to enforce the law during the Kaduna by-elections.