The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fatange, with about N30 million allegedly earmarked for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kaduna State.
Fatange was picked up on Friday evening at a hotel in the Kaduna metropolis, where he was said to be coordinating the distribution of the funds meant to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.
Reliable security sources confirmed that the suspect was caught in possession of cash running into tens of millions, allegedly intended to compromise the integrity of the polls.
The Kaduna State Police Command also confirmed the arrest, as its Spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan, in a telephone chat with our correspondent, said the suspect was in custody and under investigation.
He, however, declined to give further details, noting that security agencies were working together to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Fantage’s arrest was coming amidst rising tension and accusations of plans by political actors to manipulate the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria and Sabon-Gari constituencies.
Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the oppositions including PDP, ADC and SDP had in recent days traded allegations of vote-buying, thuggery and attempts to compromise electoral officials.
As at the time of filing this report, details of the DSS operation and the exact circumstances of Fatange’s arrest remained sketchy.
However, security operatives assured that investigations were ongoing, while urging the public to remain calm and turn out peacefully to exercise their franchise on Saturday.
ENDS
