The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, in a federal high court in Abuja.
On January 31 2021, the commission filed a 17-count charge against Okorocha before a federal high court in Abuja. The charge claims that the former governor conspired with others and five companies during his tenure to steal N2.9 billion in public funds.
He was arraigned on Monday before Justice Inyang Ekwo, alongside an APC chieftain, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye. Some of the other defendants listed include Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
The Senator who represents Imo West was arrested by EFCC operatives on Tuesday in his Abuja home after a seven hour seige. According to the Commission, the forceful arrest was necessary as Okorocha had refused to honor an official invitation.
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On Friday, Okorocha had approached the court seeking bail on the grounds that he was a presidential hopeful with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He added that his political ambition would be jeopardized if not granted bail. However, his bail request was refused by the Judge. Instead, the judge asked Okorocha and his lawyers to put the federal government on notice so as to appear in court to defend his detention.
Justice Ekwo ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC’s custody and adjourned the matter for May 31, to hear the bail application.
