Security operatives in Kaduna have foiled a major vote-buying attempt ahead of the state’s bye-elections, arresting a suspected perpetrator found in possession of N25,963,000 in cash on the early hours of Saturday, August 16, 2025. The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at a well-known hotel along Turunku Road within Kaduna metropolis, following intelligence reports of planned electoral manipulation.
The operation was jointly carried out by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), highlighting the security agencies’ preparedness and vigilance ahead of the polls. The suspect was immediately detained, and the large sum of money was seized to prevent any attempt at influencing the outcome of the elections illegally.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest, stating that preliminary investigations revealed the cash was intended to bribe voters and undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Hassan added that security agencies would continue to monitor potential threats and prevent any acts that could compromise peaceful voting.
DSP Hassan also quoted the State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, who explained that the suspect had admitted to the alleged crime and begged for leniency. “The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed and pleaded for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone caught undermining the electoral process will face the full weight of the law,” CP Muhammad said during a press briefing at the police headquarters.
CP Muhammad further warned politicians, their supporters, and the general public against violence, vote-buying, intimidation, and any form of thuggery. He emphasized that security agencies had credible intelligence indicating plans by some individuals to disrupt the polls and stressed that all sensitive areas, including polling units and collation centres, had been fortified with security personnel to guarantee a smooth electoral process.
“The Command will deal decisively with anyone, regardless of status, who engages in violence, intimidation, or vote buying. Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted,” the Commissioner added, highlighting the zero-tolerance stance of the police towards electoral malpractice.
Residents of Kaduna were also urged to remain law-abiding, exercise patience, and turn out in large numbers to cast their votes peacefully. Security operatives assured the public that adequate protection had been deployed before, during, and after the elections to ensure safety and maintain order.
The arrest of Shehu Aliyu Patangi and the seizure of N25.9 million serve as a stern warning to anyone planning to manipulate the bye-elections, reinforcing the government and security agencies’ commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in Kaduna State.
See more photos below showing the recovered cash and security presence during the operation:
