The Department of State Service (DSS), in collaboration with Nigeria Police, has arrested a suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Aliyu Fatangi, for alleged vote-buying in Kaduna State.
Fatangi was picked up late Friday night at a hotel along Turunku Road, Kaduna metropolis, where he was reportedly coordinating the distribution of cash to influence voters ahead of Saturday’ by-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was found with huge cash allegedly set aside to compromise the electoral process. Upon search, a total of N25,963,000 was recovered from him.
Confirming the arrest, Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said: “At about 0330hrs today, operatives of the Nigerian Police, in conjunction with the DSS, arrested one Shehu Aliyu Fatangi at a popular hotel in Kaduna metropolis. Recovered from him was the sum of N25,963,000 believed to be earmarked for inducing voters”.
He added that preliminary investigation revealed Fatangi’s plan to bribe eligible voters.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and pleaded leniency.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the synergy between security agencies, warning that anyone caught attempting to undermine the polls would face the full weight of the law.
He reassured Kaduna residents of maximum security before, during and after the elections, urging them to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear of intimidation.
-9News Nigeria.
