The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a prominent legislator, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, under suspicion of bribery and illicit money transfers.
The lawmaker who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives was nabbed with foreign currency to the tune of $498,100 along Aba Road in the state capital.
It was reported that the suspect was apprehended by the Command during a routine stop and search operation at approximately 2:45 pm on Thursday.
Further investigations revealed that Igwe was in possession of a list outlining the distribution of funds.
Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, 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.
The statement reads:
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.
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.
This comes barely 48 hours after properties belong to Chinyere Igwe, Atlantic TV and Wish FM, was attacked with explosives.
