The State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Kiyawa who confirmed the arrest,said that the suspect, aged 45, was arrested at Dawakinkudu East of Dawakin Tofa Local Government area of Kano State.
Based on information and surveillance , the suspect was reportedly sighted with 29 copies of the (PVCs at a business centre photo-coping the suspected cards.
SP Kiyawa disclosed that the suspect has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of Kano State Police Command for discreet investigation.
While speaking after his arrest at the Criminal Investigation Department of Kano State Police Command, the suspect alleged that he was assigned by the son of Kano state governor Abba Ganduje who is also the candidate of APC for Dawakin Tofa, Rimingado and Tofa Federal constituency.
He said that “Our Rep candidate Abba wants the Voter’s cards for empowerment of N10, 000 to people who agree to vote for him, kindly give me the PVCs to continue my assignment” the suspect reiterated in his response part of which was documented in the case file.
While contacted the candidate of APC for Dawakin Tofa, Rimingado and Tofa Federal constituency, Abba Ganduje on the issue but his phone lines were off.
The state party chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas said he was not aware of the situation, but promised to investigate and get back to this newspaper.
‘’Honestly I am not aware of the arrest of any of our party member by the police on such issue. You see what people fail to realize this day is with the introduction of the BVAS by INEC, no single person can make use of another person’s PVC,’’ Abdullahi Abbas said.
Commenting on the development the New Nigeria People Party ( NNPPl Chief Campaign Spokesperson,in a statement signed Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the party had directed its legal team led by the state legal adviser Barr. Bashir Yusuf Tudunwazirchi to pursue the matter and ensure that the suspect is arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full wrath of the law.
“You may recall that we have recently secured judgment on similar case against the APC chairman of Yautar Arewa in Gabasawa local government area of Kano state” said Bature.
He then stressed the need for community members to speak out and report incidences of such nature in the sprit of protecting democratic principles.