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Police Crack Down On Vote Buying, Arrest Thugs, Party Loyalists, Fake Journalist In Edo
A large sum of money, a cache of weapons, and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.
Benin, Edo State- Nigerian police have arrested some political thugs and party loyalists over alleged vote buying during the ongoing gubernatorial election in Edo State.
During a series of raids across key polling stations, authorities recovered substantial cash and incriminating items believed to be used in electoral malpractice.
Among thoserreste was a fake journalist, who falsely claimed to be affiliated with one of Nigeria’s leading television stations.
It was gathered that the suspects were reportedly attempting to influence voters under the guise of media coverage.
In a statement released Saturday, the spokesperson for the police force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that police operatives conducted synchronized raids on identified black spots on September 20, 2024, at approximately 1900 hours.
The statement read, “The well-coordinated effort led to the arrest of two key suspects, who are members of the PDP, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo state.
“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.
Items recovered include a list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, a collection of pre-filled ballot papers, a set of fake identification cards, a large sum of money, a cache of weapons, and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.
“Furthermore, six suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim,Fatima Yakubu,Yusuf Aminat 52 yrs,Salihu Lukman 54yrs,Safianu Saratu 32yrs were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying.
Adejobi said that a fake journalist who claims 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 added that investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold.