Rivers: Police arrest federal lawmaker over $.4m money laundering charge
…Restrict vehicular movement
Barth Ndubuwah,Port Harcourt
The Police Authorities in Rivers State said they have arrested one Hon. Chinyere Igwe, lawmaker representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives for money laundering.
According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, a sum of $498,100 was found in Igwe’s car during a stop-and-search operation of some of their officers deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Headquarters in Port Harcourt for election duties.
“Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 02:45hrs, 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 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.
Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money,” the statement said.
The PPRO said the AIG Election, Abutu Yaro has ordered for swift interrogation and arraignment in court of the suspect.
The statement further said that the command urges all contestants and political parties for the 2023 general elections to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws in their own interest.
She appealed to members of the public to avail themselves of the following hotlines to report any observation they believe has potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order before, during and after the elections:
08032003514; 08098880134.
Meanwhile,the Police AIG,Abutu Yaro coordinating other four Commissioners of Police(CPs) for the 2023 general elections in Rivers State had earlier announced total restriction of vehicular movement from 12 midnight of Friday 24/2/2023 till 6pm Saturday,25/2/2023 within and around Rivers State.
He equally barred Security Aides and irderlies from accompanying their principals to polling centres, warning that violators will be sanctioned.
The AIG warned vigilante groups not to participate in security operations during the elections, emphasizing that they are not part of the security architecture of the 2023 general elections.
