Nigeria Police Force Arrests Nine Suspects in Edo State Governorship Election

In a significant crackdown on electoral fraud, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested nine suspects in connection with the ongoing Edo State governorship election. The arrests were made during a series of coordinated raids on identified black spots in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, eight of the suspects were arrested for suspected vote buying, while the ninth suspect posed as a fake journalist, claiming to be a staff member of a leading television station in the country.

The statement revealed that two key suspects, Emotingham Godspower and Farawei Isaac, are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and are connected to two kingpins identified as "Atiku" and "The Boss." The suspects were apprehended at So Cash Guest House in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items were recovered.

The items seized included a list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, a collection of pre-filled ballot papers, and a set of fake identification cards. Adejobi also stated that six other suspects were arrested with a large sum of money, weapons, and other items.

The group was found with a large sum of money, a cache of weapons, and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation. The 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.

Adejobi praised the police team’s meticulous planning and swift action, saying it had dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process. The police remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election, with investigations ongoing and updates to be provided as events unfold.