Former Imo State governor and presidential aspirant, Rochas Okorocha, was yesterday arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), at his Maitama, Abuja residence.
Though the security operatives met stiff resistance from the supporters of the former governor, tear gas was fired to disperse them to effect the arrest.
The anti-graft agency said it laid siege to the home of the former governor to arrest him, accusing him of jumping bail granted him by the commission.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the move followed the refusal of Okorocha to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the commission.
According to Uwujaren, the EFCC had, on January 24, 2022, filed a 17-count criminal charge, bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9 billion, against Okorocha.
“The case was assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja; but attempts to arraign Okorocha was twice stalled, owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.
“At the last adjourned date, March 28, 2022, Justice Ekwo, before adjourning until May 30, 2022, had warned, saying: “This is 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 Okorocha and bring him to trial,” he stated.
