The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended at approximately 3:30 am on Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road. A preliminary investigation revealed that the cash, totaling N25,963,000, was intended to induce voters to compromise the electoral process.
According to DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, the suspect has confessed to the crime during interrogation and has pleaded for leniency. Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate any attempts to subvert the electoral process through vote buying, thuggery, violence, or other illegal conduct.
"The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law," CP Muhammad stated.
In addition to the arrest, the Kaduna State Police Command has issued a warning to political actors and their supporters to refrain from violence and acts capable of disrupting the bye-elections. The command has received credible intelligence suggesting plans by some politicians to instigate unrest and has deployed personnel across polling units, collation centers, and strategic flashpoints.
"The Command will deal decisively with troublemakers. Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in violence, intimidation, vote buying, or thuggery will be arrested and prosecuted," the statement emphasized.
The police have assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections, urging citizens to come out and vote peacefully without fear of intimidation.