From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected agent of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Fatange, who was found with approximately N30 million allegedly intended for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kaduna State.
Fatange was apprehended on Friday evening at a hotel in Kaduna metropolis, where he was reportedly coordinating the distribution of funds to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.
Reliable security sources confirmed that the suspect was caught with cash amounting to tens of millions, allegedly intended to compromise the integrity of the polls.
The Kaduna State Police Command also confirmed the arrest. Its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated in a telephone conversation with our correspondent that the suspect is in custody and under investigation.
However, he declined further details, stating that security agencies are collaborating to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
Fantage’s arrest comes amid rising tensions and allegations from political actors regarding plans to manipulate the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria, and Sabon-Gari constituencies.
Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including PDP, ADC, and SDP, have exchanged accusations of vote-buying, thuggery, and attempts to compromise electoral officials.
At the time of filing this report, details regarding the DSS operation and the exact circumstances of Fatange’s arrest remained unclear.
However, security operatives assured the public that investigations are ongoing and urged citizens to remain calm and turn out peacefully to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.
