Chinyere Igwe, a member of the House of Representatives for Port Harcourt City Local Government Constituency II, has been charged with possessing foreign currency.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that the police in the state on Wednesday arraigned Igwe before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt for alleged money laundering.
The lawmaker, who was charged with money laundering on one count, pleaded not guilty.
According to the charge sheet, Igwe was seen in possession of $498,000 on February 24, 2023, without reporting to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
WITHIN NIGERIA reported that the Rivers State police command confirmed the arrest of a member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe, on February 24.
According to reports, Igwe was arrested for allegedly receiving $500,000 US dollars from the People Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesman for the state police command, said the lawmaker was apprehended during a stop and search operation by operatives stationed at the Independent National Electoral Commission office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
However, Igwe’s legal representative filed an application for bail in court on Wednesday, but the police objected.
After hearing the arguments and submissions, the trial Judge, Justice Stephen Daylop-Pam, adjourned the case until March 14, 2023, for bail consideration.
He also ordered that the accused be taken to the Nigerian Police Clinic for evaluation of a medical report on his health.