The Nigeria Police Force has arrested at least nine suspects during the ongoing Edo State governorship election. Among them, eight were apprehended for suspected vote buying, while the ninth posed as a fake journalist, falsely claiming to work for a prominent television station.
In a statement on Saturday, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that two of the suspects, Emotingham Godspower and Farawei Isaac, are key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The two individuals are reportedly linked to two kingpins known as “Atiku” and “The Boss.”
“In a coordinated operation, police officers carried out synchronized raids on identified hotspots on September 20, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m.,” Adejobi said.
The well-executed operation led to the arrest of Godspower (25) and Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State. The suspects were apprehended at So Cash Guest House in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items, including voter lists with corresponding monetary values, pre-filled ballot papers, and fake identification cards, were seized.
In addition to these arrests, six other suspects—Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat (52), Salihu Lukman (54), and Safianu Saratu (32)—were detained at Aibotse Secondary School near Meremu Hotel, Auchi. They were caught with a large sum of money, weapons, and detailed plans for voter intimidation.
Adejobi further noted the arrest of the fake journalist, underscoring the breadth of the criminal network seeking to disrupt the election.
“Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those attempting to undermine 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 the situation develops,” Adejobi concluded.