The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Rochas Okorocha, the former governor of Imo State and presidential hopeful, at his Maitama, Abuja residence yesterday.
Despite significant resistance from supporters of the previous governor, security personnel used tear gas to disperse them and make the arrest.
The anti-graft agency said Mr Okorocha jumped an administrative bail he was granted and has also evaded his corruption trial.
The EFCC said this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, on Tuesday.
The former governor is being investigated by the anti-graft agency for allegedly stealing state funds while in office.
Mr Okorocha had alleged that the siege at his residence was to prevent him from attending the APC screening exercise for its presidential aspirants.
He said this while briefing journalists during the siege on his house.
Sources at the location gathered that the operatives arrived at Mr Okorocha’s home at about 11:30 a.m.
See the Press release below
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to effect his arrest.
The move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Commission.
EFCC had on January 24, 2022, filed a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion against Okorocha.
The case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.
At the last adjourned date, March 28th, 2022, Justice Ekwo before adjourning until May 30th, 2022, had warned that it was “the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter”.
In the circumstances, the Commission is left with no option than to effect the arrest of Senator Okorocha and bring him to trial.
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