A federal lawmaker, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering.
According to news report, Dr. Igwe, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives, was apprehended along Aba Road in the state capital.
The arrest occurred close to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Police officers from the Rivers State Command, deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road, arrested the lawmaker during a stop and search operation. Dr. Igwe was found with $498,100 in cash inside a bag in her car, along with a list for distribution of the money.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of elections, Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court. The Rivers State Police Command has urged all contestants and political parties to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
The public is encouraged to report any observations they believe may lead to crime or the breakdown of law and order using the provided hotlines. It’s worth noting that this incident comes just two days after the premises of Atlantic TV and Wish FM, which belong to Mr. Igwe, were attacked with explosives.
