Alleged N2.9b fraud: Okorocha pleads not guilty, remains in custody

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has pleaded not guilty to the N2.9Billion corruption charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in a 17-count charges, claimed Okorocha diverted N2.9B from Imo State Government House Accounts and that of Imo State Local Government Joint accounts to private companies.

According to the prosecution, the alleged fraud was said to have been perpetrated by Okorocha and one Anyim Inyerere with the use of their private companies between 2014 and 2016 as the Executive Governor of the State.

The Senetor representing Imo West constituency is being represented  by Okey Amaechi, Solomon Umor,  Ola Olanipekun and Kehinde Ogunwumiju.

When the charges was read out to him, he pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge.

Sequel to not guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Gbolahan Latona pleaded for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses that will testify during trial.

He informed the court that 15 witnesses have been arranged to testify against All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential aspirant and that most of the witnesses are outside the court jurisdiction because of the peculiar nature of the charge.

Responding, counsel to the Presidential hopeful, Okey Amaechi told the court that he had filed application for bail of his client and had also served same on EFCC.

He attempted to argue the application but was opposed by the anti-graft agency which claimed that it intends to file counter affidavit against the bail issued.

Consequently, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that he would take all the bail applications today.

Therefore, the court directed the anti graft agency to endeavor to file its opposition within time as he ordered Okorocha to remain in custody till May 31.