Police arrest 79 suspects over ‘electoral offences’ in Sokoto

The Sokoto police command says it has arrested 79 persons over alleged involvement in electoral offences during the governorship and house of assembly elections conducted on March 18.

In a statement on Sunday, Sanusi Abubakar, police spokesperson in the state, said some of the suspects were found to have violated the movement restrictions order during the polls.

“All the electoral offenses among them were fully investigated and transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution,” he said.

“While others that contravened the penal code have been charged to court by the police, there are others that are still under investigation.”

Abubakar said cases of vote buying, destruction of ballot boxes, thuggery, threats, and instigating public nuisance at polling centers were reported during the elections.

The command spokesperson said Muhammed Gumel, commissioner of police in the state, urged members of the public to avoid activities that are against the law.

“I enjoin all members of the public to be wary of allowing themselves, their loved ones, or their political party affiliates from getting involved in actions that are totally repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience of law,” Abubakar quoted the commissioner of police as saying.

“This is especially in view of the forthcoming supplementary elections to be scheduled in Sokoto state.

“More so, I want to restate the commitment of the security agencies toward the protection of lives and property.”

Gumel warned that anyone found involved in activities that threaten the security of the state during supplementary polls would be dealt with.