Police arrest Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Rivers Rep member with $498,100
Dr. Chinyere Igwe, a member of the House of Representatives, was detained early on Friday morning along Ana Road in Port Harcourt, just a few days after gunmen reportedly bombed his radio and television stations.
When verifying Igwe’s arrest, the police provided the total amount as 498,100 USD and a list of the recipients of the funds.
According to the PUNCH, dynamite attacks resulted in extensive property damage at the Atlantic Television Network and Wish FM 99.5, which are housed in the same building in Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Igwe was apprehended by operatives sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, according to the State Police Command’s Grace Iringe-Koko.
Iringe-Koko reported that the lawmaker will be promptly questioned and charged after being arrested by AIG Abutu Yaro, the assistant inspector general of police sent to the state for the polls.
Igwe, who sits in the green chamber of the National Assembly and serves Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, is an ardent supporter of Atiku Abubakar, the front-runner of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The police statement read, “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 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 Assistant Inspector General of Police (Election) AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.
“The Command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.”
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, urged residents of the state and members to take advantage of the hotlines made available by the police to report suspicious movements and situations capable of causing security breaches.
She stated, “Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the available hotlines to report any observation they believe have potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order.”
