KADUNA – The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fatange, in Kaduna with about N30 million cash allegedly earmarked for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in the state.
Fatange was reportedly apprehended on Friday evening at a hotel within the Kaduna metropolis, where he was said to be coordinating the disbursement of funds intended to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.
Reliable security sources disclosed that the suspect was found in possession of millions of naira, allegedly set aside to compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the development. Its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that Fatange was in custody and currently under investigation.
“We can confirm that the suspect is in custody, and security agencies are working hand-in-hand to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” Hassan said, but declined to provide further details.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension and allegations of plans to rig the bye-elections holding across Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria and Sabon-Gari federal constituencies.
In recent days, both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including PDP, ADC and SDP, have traded accusations of vote-buying, thuggery, and attempts to compromise electoral officials.
As of press time, details of the DSS operation that led to Fatange’s arrest were still sketchy. However, security operatives assured that investigations were ongoing and urged residents to remain calm and come out peacefully to exercise their civic rights on election day.
