Olusegun Ariyo
Police officers have arrested nine individuals for alleged vote buying and possession of pre-filled ballot papers during the ongoing Edo State governorship election.
In a statement on Saturday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi detailed that six of the suspects were apprehended at Aibotse Secondary School, near Meremu Hotel in Auchi, for engaging in vote buying. The police recovered a large sum of money, weapons, and plans for voter intimidation.
Two key suspects, Emotingham Godspower, 25, and Farawei Isaac, 27, both from Ufunama community in Ovia South West LGA, were linked to a larger criminal network. They were arrested at So Cash Guest House in Ekpoma, where police found substantial cash and incriminating items.
The network reportedly involves individuals known as “Atiku” and a kingpin referred to as “the boss.”
Additional suspects, including Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat, 52, Salihu Lukman, 54, and Safianu Saratu, 32, were also arrested at the same location in Auchi for vote buying.
A fake journalist posing as a staff of a major television station was among those apprehended.
Earlier, the police announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs and the seizure of firearms during pre-election raids.
