The police have arraigned a member of the House of Representatives for Port Harcourt City Local Government Constituency II, Chinyere Igwe, at the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt for alleged money laundering.
Igwe, a campaigner for the the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was arrested by the police in Port Harcourt hours to the just-concluded presidential election with $498,000 and a list believed to be for sharing the cash.
He was on Wednesday brought to the court on one count charge of money laundering.
The lawmaker, according to the charge sheet, was seen in possession of $498,000 on the 24th day of February 2023 without reporting to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
When the charge was read to him, Igwe pleaded not guilty, and his legal representative made an application for bail but the police raised objection.
The trial Judge, Justice Stephen Daylop-Pam, after listening to the arguments and submissions adjourned the matter to March 14, 2023 for bail consideration.
He also directed that the accused person be sent to Nigerian Police Clinic for attention on a medical report about his health.