A suspected vote buyer in possession of N25,963,000 has been taken into custody by Kaduna security personnel.
In several sections of the state, this arrest happened just hours before the bye-elections on Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services at a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
Initial investigations showed that the large sum of money was meant to entice voters and jeopardize the integrity of the voting process, according to the Kaduna State Police Command.
The arrest was verified by police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, who also mentioned that the suspect had already admitted to the crime and asked for forgiveness.
N25.9 million was recovered from a suspected vote-buyer for the August 16, 2025, Kaduna bye-election.
“The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters,” he said CP Rabiu Muhammad, the Commissioner of Police.
He pleaded for forgiveness after confessing to the crime. We want to stress once more that anyone caught trying to tamper with the election process will be subject to the full force of the law.
The Commissioner also issued a warning, saying that anyone found involved in violence, thuggery, vote buying, or any other unlawful activity intended to tamper with the voting process will not be spared by the command.
In the meantime, the Command cautioned political players and those who support them against using violence or causing disturbances during the polls.
It revealed that reliable intelligence pointed to certain politicians’ intentions to stir up trouble.
Security organizations have responded by sending staff to strategic flashpoints throughout the state, including voting places and collation centers.
N25.9 million was recovered from a suspected vote-buyer for the August 16, 2025, Kaduna bye-election.
“The Command will take decisive action against those who cause trouble.” “Anyone who engages in violence, intimidation, vote buying, or thuggery, regardless of their position, will be arrested and prosecuted,” the police stated in a statement.
In addition, the police urged people to come out and peacefully fulfill their civic responsibilities by promising sufficient protection before, during, and after the polls.
