Alleged vote buying : Police nab federal lawmaker with $500,000 cash in Rivers
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a federal lawmaker, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, with $498,100 on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering.
Igwe who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency is alleged to be a supporter of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP was arrested along Aba Road in the state capital.
It was gathered that the suspect was picked up by men of the Command on stop and search duty at about 2:45 pm on Thursday. Also found in his possession was a list for the distribution of the money.
Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday said the lawmaker was also apprehended with a list for the distribution of the money.
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.
“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.”
Channels TV reports that the arrest of the lawmaker is coming barely two days after the premises of Atlantic TV and Wish FM belonging to Mr Igwe was attacked with explosives.
