A suspected vote buyer has been arrested with N25,963,000 in cash in Kaduna just hours before the commencement of Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.

The individual, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a well-known hotel along Turunku Road by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, preliminary findings indicated that the money was intended to influence voters and manipulate the election. He also stated that the suspect admitted to the allegations during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, emphasized that the Command will take decisive action against anyone found attempting to disrupt the integrity of the electoral process.

“The suspect was caught with the specified amount, suspected to be set aside for voter inducement. He confessed to the act and asked for forgiveness. Let it be known that anyone caught trying to sabotage the election will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” CP Muhammad stated.

The Command further warned political parties and their supporters against inciting violence, thuggery, or any unlawful activities, pointing out that credible intelligence had revealed plans by certain political figures to spark disturbances.