By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Police Command in Kaduna State, said its operatives in collaboration with those of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have nabbed a suspected vote buyer ahead of Saturday’s by-elections and recovered N25.9million cash.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

He said that the fear was sequel to sustained and collaborative efforts by the security agencies to ensure that the by-elections in Kaduna State are conducted peacefully and without interference from criminal elements.

Hassan sau,’Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended a suspected vote buyer in Kaduna.”

He said at about 3:30 am on Saturday, they arrested one Shehu Aliyu- Patangi at a popular Hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis and recovered a total cash N25.9million from the suspect.

According to Hassan, the seized cash was believed to be earmarked for the purpose of inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters.

Hassan added, “On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.”

He said that the Commissioner of Police, (CP ) Muhammad Rabiu, had expressed appreciation to the other sister agencies for the synergy and swift collaborative action.

He warned, in the strongest terms, that anyone, regardless of status, found attempting to undermine the electoral process would face the full wrath of the law.

“The Police Command reassures the residents of its commitment to providing maximum security before, during and after the elections.

“It calls on the good people of Kaduna State to go out and exercise their franchise peacefully and lawfully without fear or intimidation.’ (NAN, but headline rejigged)