The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday evening arrested the former Governor of Imo State and All Progressive Congress presidential aspirant Senator Rochas Okorocha over an alleged fraud allegation of N2.9 billion.
Driving the news
The assault team that stormed the residence of the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district comprised operatives of the anti-graft agency and officers of the Nigerian Police force.
- Reports gathered from viral videos and pictures of the incident confirmed that the team faced resistance from the former governor’s supporters, but shots of live bullets and tear gas scared the latter off.
- The aides to the Governor claim that the security team vandalized some part of the property as they forced themselves into the residence to make the arrest.
Quick catch-up
- The anti-graft agency on the 24th of January 2022 filed a 17-count charge bordering majorly on the diversion of public funds amounting to N2.9 billion against Senator Rochas Okorocha and six other accomplices.
- Despite several court orders requesting the presence of the suspect, Gov Okorocha refused to show.
- The presiding judge, Honorable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja on March 28th 2022 adjourned the court hearing granting the order to arrest Senator Okorocha and bring him before the court.
What they are saying
- The EFCC in a public statement said “the move followed the refusal of the former governor to honor invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted by the Commission.”
- Rochas Okorocha, in viral videos leading up to his arrest, claimed innocence insisting that the security team is trying to keep him from attending the APC’s presidential screening exercise.
The big picture
The recent arrests and investigation of government officials in Nigeria is an ongoing sweep by the EFCC to rid the system of corrupt politicians. This overdue action has seen the arrest of top officials at both state and federal levels including the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris, former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Nsima Ekere, and many others.