The Nigeria Police have apprehended two key suspects linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the governorship election in Edo State.
The arrests took place on Saturday as part of a broader crackdown on electoral malpractice.
The suspects, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), hail from Ufunama community in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects were part of a wider criminal network believed to involve an individual named “Atiku” and a kingpin referred to as “the boss.”
The suspects were apprehended at a guest house in Ekpoma, where security operatives discovered a substantial sum of money, pre-filled ballot papers, and voter lists tied to monetary values.
The police recovered fake identification cards alongside other incriminating materials, including a collection of voters’ names with corresponding financial figures.
These discoveries further suggest a sophisticated vote-buying operation aimed at manipulating the electoral process.
In a related incident, six other suspects were arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, Auchi, allegedly involved in similar vote-buying schemes.
The arrested individuals—Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat, Salihu Lukman, and Safianu Saratu—were found with cash, weapons, and detailed plans designed to intimidate voters.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized the success of the operation, stating, “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.” Adejobi further noted that investigations are ongoing and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Arrest of a Fake Journalist
In a separate development, police detained a man posing as a journalist from a leading Nigerian television station. The individual’s role in the broader network is still under investigation.
