The Rivers State Police Command deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s office (INEC) arrested a Federal lawmaker in the early hours of Friday with foreign currency.
According to the police, a sum of 498,100 USD, along with a list of people the monies are meant for were recovered from the lawmaker during a stop and search operation along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
Following his arrest, Grace Iringe-Koko, River State Superintendent of Police said the Assistant Inspector General of Police deployed to the state for elections, AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment of the lawmaker.
It should be noted that Igwe, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the green chamber of the National Assembly, is a staunch supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Recall that a few days ago, Atlantic Television Network and Wish FM 99.5 located at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and owned by Dr. Chinyere Igwe were allegedly bombed with dynamites by gunmen leaving many properties destroyed.
The police statement read:
“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 USD 498,100 inside a bag in his car.
“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (Election) AIG Abutu Yaro, 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.”
Iringe-Koko, however, urged residents of the state and members to take advantage of the hotlines made available by the police to report suspicious movements and situations capable of causing security breaches.
She stated, “Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the available hotlines to report any observation they believe have potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order.”
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