Victor Ezeja
The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives arrested some suspected vote buyers, political thugs and a fake journalist in Ekpoma, Edo State hours before Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, police said its operatives conducted “syncronised” raids on identified black spots on Friday, 20th September 2024, at 7 pm.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt said the coordinated raid led to “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.”
It further stated that the suspects, who are 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.
According to the statement signed by Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, items recovered from the suspects include: “A list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, a collection of pre-filled ballot papers, a set of fake identification cards.”
It further revealed that six other suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat 52 yrs, Salihu Lukman 54 years, and Safianu Saratu 32yrs were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu Hotel, Auchi, “for engaging in vote buying.”
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Continuing, the statement said: “This group was found with: a large sum of money, a cache of weapons, a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.”
Arrest of a fake journalist
The police further stated that it also arrested “a fake journalist” who claims to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria.
The police said it would remain vigilant and continue to burst criminal groups who are out to disrupt the electoral process.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
