UPDATED; House of Reps member arrested with $500, 000 with a list of expected beneficiaries

UPDATED; House of Reps member arrested with $500, 000 with a list of expected beneficiaries

Police operatives attached to Rivers State Police Command have arrested Chinyere Igwe, a member of the house of representatives, with $498,100 cash.

Command’s Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the lawmaker was also arrested with a list for the distribution of the money.

She said, “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 honourable Chinyere Igwe, member house of representatives representing Port Harcourt II federal constituency with a cash sum of $498,100 inside a bag in his car,” the police spokesperson wrote in a statement.

“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money.”

Iringe-Koko said Abutu Yaro, assistant inspector-general (elections) has ordered “swift interrogation” of the lawmaker and subsequent arraignment in court.

The police asked all candidates and political parties to “comply strictly” with provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and other laws guiding elections.