The police, in yet another comprehensive operation, arrested political things and party loyalists for vote buying.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued Saturday said the well-coordinated effort led to the arrest of two key suspects, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The suspects are: Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo state.
Adejobi said: “The suspects, connected to a larger network involving one “Atiku” and a kingpin known as “the boss”, were apprehended at So Cash guest house in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items were recovered.”
The items include: A list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values; A collection of pre-filled ballot papers; A set of fake identification cards.
Adejobi added that six suspects namely; Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu,Yusuf Aminat, 52 yrs; Salihu Lukman, 54yrs; ans Safianu Saratu 32yrs were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying.
The six suspects were found with a large sum of money; cache of weapons and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.
Adejobi stressed that a fake journalist who claimed to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria was also apprehended, further highlighting the extent of the criminal network.
“Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election,” he said.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations are ongoing, and updates would be provided as events unfold.