The police command in Kaduna State said its operatives alongside officers of the State Security Service and other security agencies have nabbed a suspected vote buyer in the ongoing by-elections and recovered N25.9 million cash.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.

He said that the feat was sequel to sustained and collaborative efforts by the security agencies to ensure that the by-elections in Kaduna State were conducted peacefully and without interference from criminals.

Mr Hassan said, “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the State Security Service have successfully apprehended a suspected vote buyer in Kaduna.”

He said at about 3:30 am on Saturday, they arrested one Shehu Aliyu- Patangi at a popular Hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis and recovered a total cash of N25.9 million from the suspect.

According to Mr Hassan, the seized cash was believed to be earmarked for the purpose of inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters.

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

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, expressed appreciation to the other sister agencies for the synergy and swift collaborative action.

He warned that anyone, regardless of status, found attempting to undermine the electoral process would face the full wrath of the law.

He stated, “The police command reassures the residents of its commitment to providing maximum security before, during and after the elections. It calls on the good people of Kaduna State to go out and exercise their franchise peacefully and lawfully without fear or intimidation.’’

(NAN)