Rivers State Government has dropped the money laundering and criminal charges against former lawmaker Chinyere Igwe.

Igwe was arrested and brought before the court on the eve of the presidential election for allegedly possessing $499 million.

After being granted bail, the case was scheduled for trial. However, during the court session, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, unexpectedly announced the withdrawal of the lawsuit without providing any reason.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop-Pam, accepted the state government’s decision, and the defendant was discharged.

The judge also ordered the return of Igwe’s seized international passport and other confiscated items by the police.