The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a federal lawmaker, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, with $498,100 on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering.

The lawmaker who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives was arrested along Aba Road in the state capital.

It was gathered that the suspect was picked up by men of the Command on stop and search duty at about 2:45 pm on Thursday.  Also found in his possession was a list for the distribution of the money.

Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement said the suspect was arrested close to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of elections, Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.

“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,” the statement read.

“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money. The AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro  fdc , 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.

“Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the following hotlines to report any observation they believe have the potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order: 08032003514, 08098880134.”