Police officers have arrested nine people for allegedly buying votes and having pre-filled ballot papers during the ongoing Edo State governor election.
On Saturday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said that six people were caught at Aibotse Secondary School near Meremu Hotel in Auchi while trying to buy votes. The police found a lot of money, weapons, and plans to scare voters.
Two main suspects, Emotingham Godspower, 25, and Farawei Isaac, 27, from Ufunama community in Ovia South West LGA, are said to be part of a bigger criminal group. They were caught at So Cash Guest House in Ekpoma with a lot of money and other bad items.
The group also includes people called “Atiku” and a leader known as “the boss.”
Other suspects like Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat, 52, Salihu Lukman, 54, and Safianu Saratu, 32, were also caught at the same place in Auchi for buying votes.
A fake journalist pretending to work for a big TV station was also arrested.
Earlier, the police said they had caught two suspected political thugs and found guns during pre-election raids.