Breaking: PDP Agent Arrested with N25m Cash as By-Election Begins
The by-election holding in Kaduna on Saturday, August 16, has taken a different turn as the security operatives arrested a suspected vote-buyer with the cash sum of N25.9 million. It was alleged that the money was meant to compromise the electoral exercise in the state.
The suspect, who was identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was reportedly arrested around 3:30am on the day of the election. Police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) made the arrest at a popular hotel along the Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
Source: Twitter
DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson of the Kaduna Police Command, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, adding that the security operatives recovered a total of ₦25,963,000 from the suspect.
The police explained that the money were believed to be set aside for inducing voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election, holding on the same day.
According to The Nation, the suspect confessed to the police during questioning that the cash was meant to be given to eligible voters and pleaded leniency with the police.
Speaking on the matter, CP Rabiu Muhammad, the police commissioner in the state, commended the security operatives for the synergy, adding that anyone caught in the act of undermining the electoral process would be made the face the wrath of the law irrespective of their political status.
He added that the police have tightened the security at all flashpoints, noting it was to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
The police boss then called on the people of the state to come out in their masses and exercise their civic responsibilities without fear or intimidation. He emphasised the commitment of the security agency in protecting lives, property and the electoral process during the exercise.
The bye-election is not only holding in Kaduna, details that emerged showed the states where the bye-elections would be held. They included Edo and Anambra for the senatorial district poll. Also, federal constituency elections would be held in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo. In Adamawa, Anambra, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara states, state house of assembly elections are held on the same day.
Source: Legit.ng
