The Police in Rivers State have arrested a Federal lawmaker, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, with $498,100 on suspicion of earmarking the cash for vote buying.
The lawmaker, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives, was arrested along Aba Road in the State capital.
Igwe was reportedly arrested by operatives of the command on stop and search duty at about 2:45 pm on Thursday. Also found in his possession was a list believed to be names of would-be beneficiaries of the cash.
Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest through a statement issued on Friday.
She said the suspect was apprehended close to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of elections, Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.
“Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car,” the statement read.
“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money. The AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro fdc , has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.
“The Command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.