Security officers in Kaduna State have arrested a man accused of vote buying after they found him with ₦25,963,000 in cash. The arrest happened only a few hours before the bye-elections were set to begin in some parts of the state.

The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road.

His arrest was carried out by a joint operation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said that early findings revealed the money was planned to be used to bribe voters and influence the election. He added that the suspect admitted to the crime during interrogation and pleaded for mercy.

Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, the spokesman stressed that the Command would take firm action against anyone trying to disrupt free and fair elections.

He noted that the suspect confessed and begged for forgiveness but warned that such crimes will not be tolerated.

The police further advised politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, thuggery, and other unlawful acts. They explained that intelligence reports suggest some politicians may be planning to cause trouble during the elections.