During the ongoing Edo State governorship election, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested nine individuals for alleged electoral offenses.
Eight of the suspects were apprehended for vote buying, while one person was detained for posing as a fake journalist, falsely claiming to be affiliated with a prominent television station.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, two of the arrested suspects, Emotingham Godspower and Farawei Isaac, are key members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
These individuals have been linked to two prominent figures in the election, referred to as “Atiku” and “The Boss.”
Adejobi detailed that police operatives carried out targeted raids on identified black spots on September 20, 2024, at around 7:00 p.m., leading to the arrests of Godspower and Isaac in Ufunama, a community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of 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.
These items included a list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, a collection of pre-filled ballot papers, and a set of fake identification cards.”
He also stated that six other suspects were arrested with a large sum of money, weapons, and other items.
Adejobi added, “Furthermore, six suspects, namely Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat (52 years), Salihu Lukman (54 years), and Safianu Saratu (32 years), were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu Hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying.
This group was found with a large sum of money, a cache of weapons, and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.
“A fake journalist, who claimed to be a staff member of one of Nigeria’s leading television stations, 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. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold.”
