DSS Arrests PDP Member With N30m Cash Over Alleged Vote-Buying in Kaduna

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Fatange, with N30 million cash allegedly set aside for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kaduna State.

Fatange was reportedly apprehended around 10pm on Friday at a hotel in Kaduna metropolis, where he was allegedly coordinating the disbursement of funds to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.

His arrest comes amid growing tension and widespread allegations by political actors of plans to manipulate the bye-elections taking place in Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria, and Sabon-Gari constituencies.

In the days leading up to the polls, both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including the PDP, ADC, and SDP, accused one another of engaging in vote-buying, thuggery, and attempts to compromise electoral officials.

A DSS top official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect was found with cash running into tens of millions, allegedly intended to undermine the credibility of the elections.

Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, also confirmed the incident in a phone call, stating that the suspect was in custody and under investigation, though he declined to provide further details.

Hassan assured that security agencies were collaborating to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.

As of the time of this report, the full details of the DSS operation and circumstances surrounding Fatange’s arrest were still sketchy. However, security operatives maintained that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to remain calm and participate peacefully in the electoral process.