The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a man in possession of over ₦25 million cash suspected to be meant for vote-buying during the state’s by-election.
Police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the arrest was carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Hassan, the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. A total of ₦25,963,000 was recovered from him.
Preliminary investigations, he said, indicate that the money was allegedly set aside to induce voters during the electoral exercise. The suspect, during interrogation, reportedly confessed and pleaded for leniency.
Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the DSS for the swift collaboration that led to the arrest.
He also warned that security agencies would not hesitate to bring anyone attempting to compromise the polls to justice, regardless of status.
The police commissioner assured residents of Kaduna that security operatives remain fully committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in the state.