The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two alleged political thugs and six individuals involved in vote buying during operations of the Edo State governorship election, Okay.ng reports.
The arrests, announced on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, were part of coordinated raids targeting electoral malpractice.
Among those arrested were two men linked to a political party, voter’s cards, pre-filled ballot papers, and six others found with large sums of money allegedly meant for vote buying.
Adejobi disclosed the arrests in a statement titled, “Again, Police Arrest Political Party Thugs, Party Loyalists for Vote Buying, Recovers Cash and Incriminating Items.”
The statement revealed that police operatives conducted synchronized raids on September 20, 2024, leading to the arrest of Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Ufunama community in Ovia South West Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended at So Cash Guest House in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash, pre-filled ballot papers, a list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, and fake identification cards were recovered.
The police also arrested six suspects—Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat (52), Salihu Lukman (54), and Safianu Saratu (32)—at Aibotse Secondary School, near Meremu Hotel in Auchi. They were found in possession of a large sum of money, a cache of weapons, and a detailed plan for voter intimidation.
In addition to the arrests, police apprehended a fake journalist claiming to work for a major Nigerian television station in Auchi, further exposing the scale 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,” ACP Adejobi said.
“We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.
“Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold.”
