Chinyere Igwe, a member of the house of representatives, has been detained with $498,100 in cash by the Rivers police command.
Igwe is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representative for the federal district of Port Harcourt II.
He supports Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential contender.
Grace Iringe-Koko, a spokesman for the Rivers police, stated that the legislator was also detained with a list of recipients for the money.
“Police officers from Rivers state command deployed to INEC headquarters, Aba road today, February 24, at approximately 02:45 hours, while on stop and search, arrested one honorable Chinyere Igwe, member of the house of representatives representing Port Harcourt II federal constituency with a cash sum of $498,100 in a bag in his car,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
Additionally retrieved was a distribution list for the money.
Iringe-Koko reported that Abutu Yaro, assistant inspector-general (elections), had ordered “rapid interrogation” and eventual arraignment of the member.
The police instructed all candidates and political parties to “strictly comply” with the Electoral Act of 2022 and other regulations governing elections.
The development occurs less than twenty-four hours before the presidential and legislative elections.
Igwe is a supporter of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential nominee.
The state administration of Rivers announced in August 2022 that it will pursue the lawmaker for his participation in oil bunkering.
