Security operatives in Kaduna have foiled what could have been a major attempt to derail Saturday’s bye-elections, arresting a man allegedly caught with ₦25,963,000 in cash. The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road after a joint operation by the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Kaduna Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, investigations revealed the cash was meant to buy votes and compromise the electoral process. He said the suspect confessed during interrogation and pleaded for leniency, admitting the money was set aside to sway voters.
Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, vowed to deal decisively with anyone attempting to undermine free and fair elections. “The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.
The police also sent a strong message to politicians and their supporters, urging them to steer clear of vote buying, violence, and thuggery. With intelligence reports pointing to plans by some political actors to cause unrest, the Command reassured residents that security agencies are fully prepared to protect the credibility of the elections.
For voters in Kaduna, the arrest sends a strong signal: attempts to buy democracy will not go unchallenged.
