The police command in Rivers says it has arrested a member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe, in possession of $498,100, approximately N381.1 million.

Mr Igwe, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and loyal to the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement that the suspect was arrested during a stop-and-search operation on Friday in Port Harcourt.

His arrest, which comes on the eve of the presidential and National Assembly elections billed for Saturday, raises suspicion of vote-buying.

Ms Iringe-Koko said that the lawmaker is being investigated for money laundering and attempting to buy voters ahead of the presidential and national assembly elections.

“He was arrested by 2:45 a.m. on Friday by police officers deployed to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters at Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

“The police officers, who were on stop-and-search, found a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car meant for the elections.

“Also recovered from him was a list meant for the distribution of the money,” she said.

Ms Iringe-Koko said that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of elections in the state, Abuto Yaro, had ordered the lawmaker’s interrogation and arraignment in court.

The police spokesperson urged all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious movements and actions they believe can cause breakdown of law and order before, during and after the elections.

“Members of the public can reach the command through the following hotlines: 08032003514, 08098880134,” she added. 

(NAN)