Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer found with N25,963,000 in cash just hours before the state’s bye-elections on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
Confirming the development, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said preliminary investigations showed that the large sum of money was meant to influence voters and compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
Hassan quoted the State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, who explained that the suspect had confessed to the crime and begged for leniency.
“The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed and pleaded for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone caught undermining the electoral process will face the full weight of the law,” CP Muhammad stated.
The Commissioner also warned political actors and their supporters against violence, vote buying, and thuggery, stressing that the command had credible intelligence suggesting plans by some politicians to incite unrest.
He assured that security agencies had deployed personnel to polling units, collation centres, and other sensitive areas across the state to ensure peaceful conduct.
“The Command will deal decisively with anyone, regardless of status, who engages in violence, intimidation, or vote buying. Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement added.
Residents were also urged to remain law-abiding and turn out peacefully to exercise their civic rights, with security operatives assuring adequate protection before, during, and after the elections.
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