Vote Buyer Caught with N25.9 Million Cash Ahead of house of reps bye-Election
Vote Buyer Caught with N25.9 Million Cash Ahead of house of reps bye-Election
Kaduna, Nigeria – August 16, 2025 – Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a suspected vote buyer, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, in possession of a staggering N25.9 million in cash, believed to be intended for vote-buying in the ongoing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.
According to reliable sources, Patangi was apprehended at approximately 3:30 AM on Saturday at a popular hotel along Turunku Road, located within the Kaduna metropolis. His arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other allied security agencies.
Initial investigations suggest that the massive cash haul was meant to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. The constituency is currently holding a by-election, and tensions have been high with allegations of potential electoral malpractice surfacing in the lead-up to the vote.
Security officials say the suspect had planned to distribute the money to party agents and community influencers to sway the outcome of the election in favor of his sponsors.
This latest development underscores ongoing concerns about the pervasive role of money in Nigerian politics, especially during elections. Both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have repeatedly warned political actors and their supporters against engaging in vote-buying and other electoral offenses.
An official familiar with the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We are treating this as a very serious offense. Electoral fraud in any form undermines democracy, and we will continue to pursue all leads, including those who might have sent or were expecting this money.”
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions online, with civil society organizations and election observers calling for full transparency in the investigation and for the public disclosure of all parties involved.
Some activists are demanding that not only the suspect but also any political party or candidate linked to the operation should face immediate sanctions and legal consequences.
As of the time of this report, Shehu Aliyu Patangi remains in custody. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional suspects have been identified, but the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case for deeper investigation.
