BREAKING: Police nab suspected vote buyer with millions of naira ahead of by-election

Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer carrying N25,963,000 just hours before scheduled bye-elections in parts of the state.

The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday by personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) at a hotel along Turunku Road.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cash was intended to bribe voters and compromise the electoral process.

DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed that Patangi had confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that anyone attempting to undermine the elections through vote buying, violence, or intimidation would face strict legal action.

The police also urged political actors and supporters to refrain from any disruptive activities.

Security personnel have been deployed across polling units, collation centres, and key locations to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

Residents were assured of safety and encouraged to vote without fear.