Dr. Chinyere Igwe, a federal lawmaker, was arrested with $498,100 on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering by the Rivers State Police Command.
According to Channels Television, the lawmaker representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives was apprehended along Aba Road in the state capital.
The suspect was apprehended by men from the Command on stop and search duty around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday.
A list for the distribution of the money was also discovered in his possession.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday.
She stated that the suspect was apprehended near the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, and that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of elections, Abutu Yaro, has ordered immediate 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.
“Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the following hotlines to report any observation they believe have the potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order: 08032003514, 08098880134