The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha to the Federal Supreme Court in Abuja to settle allegations of bribery of 2.91 billion naira, despite the safety and security of the agents.
Okorocha arrived at the courthouse around 8:45 a.m. and was immediately taken to the courtroom. The All-Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, clad in his traditional green Agbada suit and maroon hood, was forced to sit near a pier where he would be heard pleading guilty to the charges.
He was arrested and charged with fraud this morning. His signature smile and fan-waved handkerchief were completely out of character for his courtroom demeanor.
Due to the tight security measures around him, some of his family members and political associates who were in court before his arrival were unable to reach him directly.
However, aides, including former commissioners, hurried to glimpse the senator representing Imo West in the Senate. Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Senior Advocate for Nigeria (SAN), appeared in court with another team of lawyers. Okorocha was detained by EFCC officials at his Abuja residence on Tuesday as part of measures to ensure he appeared in court today.
It will be recalled that on Monday, March 28, Judge Inyang Ekwo of the Federal Supreme Court in Abuja threatened to dismiss Okorocha's $2.9 billion money laundering charge if the Federal Government did not bring it up again in court.Because of the government's failure to bring charges against Okorocha as required by law, the judge threatened to dismiss the charges.
During the proceedings on March 28, the federal government informed Judge Ekwo a second time, through his attorney, Cosmos Ugwu, that he was unable to visit Okorocha and serve the charge. A.O. Ikota signed on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Okorocha, a senator representing Imo West in Parliament, will appear in court along with six others on charges of laundering 2.9 billion naira.
The senator is on trial before the federal government on 17 counts of unlawful misappropriation of public funds and property.