- court grants him N500m bail
By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
Senator Rochas Okorocha’s hope of been cleared for the All Progressive Congress(APC) presidential primaries seems dashed as Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, ordered he remains in custody till his bail conditions are met
The court yesterday granted the former Governor of Imo state, bail to the tune of N500million.
Okorocha is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a 17-count criminal charge bordering on financial impropriety to the tune of alleged N2.9billion as the governor of the State.
Also docked with the Senator representing Imo west in the National Assembly were Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
Arguing his bail application, counsel to Okorocha, Solomon Umoh SAN prayed the court to admit his client to bail, adding that it was within Okorocha’s constitutional right to be granted based on the doctrine of presumption of innocence.
In his ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo admitted Okorocha to bail with N500M bail bond with one surety in a likesome who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Ekwo directed the Court registrar to verify the documents of the property to be presented as bail bond, while also ordering Okorocha to deposit his international passport with the court.
Meanwhile, Sen Okorocha will remain in the custody of the EFCC pending his compliance with the bail conditions.
Subsequently, Justice Ekwo adjourned the suit until November 7 for commencement of trial.
Part of the documents filed in court by the EFCC showed how the Senator awarded 12 contracts worth N20 billion in violation of the public procurement act.
Court processes also stated how a government committee uncovered the sum of N112.8billion “dubious debts” which various banks owed the state during Okorocha’s tenure.
When the charge was read to him on Monday, the former governor, said: “I understand the charge against me, but I am not guilty my lord”.
All the other defendants also pleaded their innocence to the charge dated January 24.
