The police command in Sokoto State said security agencies arrested no fewer than 79 suspects during the March 18 governorship elections.

A statement on Sunday in Sokoto by the command’s spokesman, Sanusi Abubakar, disclosed that those arrested were persons that violated the movement restriction order and other offences that contravened the Electoral Act. 

He said during the elections, the security agencies recorded cases and effected the arrest of persons that engaged in vote buying, destruction of ballot boxes, thuggery, threats, and inciting public disturbances at polling units, among others. 

“All the electoral offences among them were fully investigated and transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution.

“While others that contravened the penal code have been charged to court by the police. However, there are others that are still under investigation,” the spokesman said. 

Mr Abubakar quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammed Gumel, as urging the public to be wary of allowing themselves to get involved in any action that violates the law. 

“This is especially in view of the forthcoming supplementary elections to be scheduled in Sokoto State.

“More so, I want to restate the commitment of the security agencies toward the protection of lives and property,” he said 

Mr Gumel further warned that all elements of insecurity would not be spared before, during and after the forthcoming supplementary elections in the state. 

(NAN)