Follow Us on Google
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A member of the House of Representatives and supporter of the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in Rivers State, Chinyere Igwe, has been arrested by security operatives.
He was arrested in the early hours of Friday along Aba Road in Port Harcourt with the sum of $498, 100 dollars. The police alleged that the federal lawmaker claimed that the money, nearly half a million United States dollars, was reportedly given to him to ensure the electoral success of the PDP and its presidential candidate in Rivers State in today’s election.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the lawmaker, saying he was arrested about 2:45am along Aba Road, Port Harcourt on Friday morning.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), gave the confirmation in a statement issued by the police command.
According to Iringe-Koko, police officers from Rivers State Command deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters on Aba Road, Port-Harcourt, had apprehended the suspect during a stop and search exercise.
The police said Igwe, the member representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was arrested with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.
Also recovered from him was a list for distribution of the money, the police informed.
The statement further informed that the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Election, Abutu Yaro, has ordered a swift interrogation and prompt arraignment in court of the suspect.
“The command has urged all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
“Also, the command has encouraged members of the public to report any observation they believe has the potential to lead to crime or a breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.
This reporter gathered that the arrested lawmaker and two others had attended a meeting in the residence of a former top member of the House of Representatives in Port Harcourt till about 1.00am on Friday.
The arrested lawmaker is the owner of the radio and television stations in Port Harcourt that were attacked early this week with explosive devices.
