Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State, finally stood before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, May 30, where he pleaded not guilty to the Federal Government’s N2.9 billion corruption charges.
On Tuesday, May 24, operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the former governor of Imo State after over six hours of a siege at his house.
He was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. at his residence in the Maitama area of Abuja shortly after security operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters who did not want the ex-governor arrested.
MDB observed that Okorocha was whisked into a white Hilux vehicle by armed security operatives.
Videos of the manner of his arrest has since gone viral on social media, sparking varying reactions about the arrest style.
Okorocha is being accused of stealing N2.9 billion from Imo State Government House accounts and Imo State Local Government Joint accounts to private entities, according to the 17-count accusations.
Between 2014 and 2016, when Okorocha was the Executive Governor of Imo State, the alleged fraud was allegedly perpetrated by Okorocha and one Anyim Inyerere through the use of their own firms.
Read Also: EFCC Files 17-Count Charge Against Okorocha Over ‘Fraud’
Despite his denials, Okorocha has retained the services of four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, Okey Amaechi, Solomon Umor, Ola Olanipekun, and Kehinde Ogunwumiju, to defend him against the serious allegations levelled against him.
However, Justice Inyang Ekwo, who heard his case, ordered his continued incarceration until May 31, when his bail application would be heard.
Shortly after entering his plea, EFCC counsel Gbolahan Latona requested an adjournment from the judge to allow him to gather his witnesses who will testify throughout the trial.
He informed the court that 15 witnesses have been summoned to testify against the APC presidential candidate, the majority of whom are outside the jurisdiction of the court due to the unusual nature of the accusation.
Read Also: Okorocha: EFCC Reveals Reason Behind Invasion Of Lawmaker’s Residence
Okey Amaechi, Okorocha’s lawyer, informed the court that he had filed an application for his client’s bail and served it on the EFCC.
He attempted to defend the application, but the anti-graft agency objected, claiming that it plans to submit a counter-affidavit against the bail granted.
Despite the EFCC’s request for a postponement until June 1 for bail arguments, Justice Ekwo ruled that all bail applications will be heard on May 31 and directed the EFCC to file its opposition as soon as possible.
Justice Inyang Ekwo then ordered Okorocha’s incarceration to be extended until May 31, when his bail application would be heard.
