The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Monday arraigned a former Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on a 17-count criminal charge.
He was docked alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
The charge showed how the Senator awarded 12 contracts worth N20 billion in violation of the public procurement act.
It also revealed how a government committee uncovered the sum of N112.8billion dubious debts which various banks owed the state during Okorocha’s tenure.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
When the charge was read to him before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, the former governor,
He said: “I understand the charge against me, but I am not guilty my lord”.
Okorocha’s lawyer, Okey Amaechi SAN, prayed the court to release him on bail pending the determination of the case against him.
He further drew attention of the court to the fact that his client was roughly arrested before APC’s screening.
“My lord, without a warrant of arrest from this court, they went into the house of the defendant, broke into it and arrested him in a gestapo manner”, he added.
Gbolahan Latona, the EFCC counsel told the court that Okorocha raised some issues in his bail application that would require the commission’s response.
Justice Ekwo ordered that the Defendants should remain in the custody of the EFCC pending the determination of their bail requests which was fixed for tomorrow.
