DSS arrest man with N25m cash for ‘vote-buying’ in Kaduna by-election

The Kaduna police command along with the DSS have arrested a man with N25 million cash allegedly for vote buying in the ongoing by-election.

Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the police command in Kaduna, revealed the details to the press on Saturday as electorates casted their votes in some parts of the country.

He said the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up at about 3:30am at a hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.

Speaking further, Hassan revealed that the recovered cash from the suspect totals a whooping sum of N25,963,000 which is believed to have been set aside to induce voters during the polls.

“At about 0330hrs today, we arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.

“We recovered a total cash sum of twenty-five million, nine hundred and sixty-three thousand naira (₦25,963,000) from the suspect; the money is believed to have been earmarked for inducing voters to compromise the electoral process,” he said.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters.

“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency,” he added.

Prior to the election, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the deployment of senior police officers to ensure security and a smooth credible electoral process.

His foresight has now paid off as one of the agents of electoral manipulation have been arrested and would be prosecuted soon.

Rabiu Muhammad, commissioner of police in Kaduna, has also commented on the incident while sending a note of warning to anyone who believe they can undermine the electoral process.

He also appreciated the efforts of the DSS whose “synergy” and quick intervention made the arrest possible.

Muhammad further promised that the issue would not be taken lightly as it would serve as a deterrent for others who wants to buy their way into power.

“Anyone regardless of status who is caught trying to undermine electoral process will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He assured residents of Kaduna that security agencies are committed to safeguarding the elections before, during, and after the exercise.