The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Tuesday reserved judgement on the bail application of the detained member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe, who is standing trial for money laundering.
The lawmaker, who represents the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, was arrested by the police, a day to the Presidential election with $498,000, said to be part of the Rivers financial war chest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Igwe was said to be in possession of the money without reporting to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
At the resumption of the matter, the Principal prosecuting lawyer, Chidi Ekeh, from the Attorney-General’s office applied to take over the prosecution from the police.
His application was not opposed by the defendant’s lawyer, Reuben Wanoghor, who insisted on moving a motion for the bail application.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Stephen Day-Lop Pam, reserved judgement on the bail application and adjourned the matter for May 4th, 2023.
He ordered that the lawmaker be remanded in police custody.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Rivers State Police Command has arrested the federal lawmaker (Chinyere Igwe) with $498,100 on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering.
Igwe, 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. 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.