Kaduna vote-buying arrest: Police and DSS seize N25.9m from suspect Shehu Aliyu Patangi ahead of state bye-elections

A Kaduna vote-buying arrest has sent shockwaves across the state as security operatives seized over N25.9 million in cash allegedly meant to sway voters.

Also read: Ogun PDP chairman arrest sparks vote-buying scandal

Police spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed that Shehu Aliyu Patangi was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. in a popular hotel along Turunku Road.

The operation, carried out jointly by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), came just hours before Saturday’s crucial bye-elections.

According to Hassan, the suspect confessed that the funds were intended to induce voters and compromise the electoral process.

He also pleaded for leniency after admitting his role.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, described the case as a dangerous attempt to sabotage democracy.

He emphasized that the Command would not hesitate to unleash the full force of the law on anyone engaged in electoral malpractice.

“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,” Muhammad stated.

“We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.”

Also read: FG files vote-buying, bribery charges against Adebutu, others

The police further cautioned political actors and supporters against violence, thuggery, or any unlawful conduct, warning that intelligence reports suggest moves by some politicians to instigate unrest.