The planned arraignment of a former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been stalled
The arraignment was stalled at the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday.
Okorocha was to be docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a 17-count criminal charge.
Okorocha was governor of Imo state from 2011 to 2019, and presently a Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly.
According to EFCC, Senator Okorocha, who is believed to be having a running battle with Governor Hope Uzodimma is being charged to court over allegation of conspiracy with his cronies, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and five companies, to fritter the sum of N2.9 billion public funds belonging to the Imo state government.
Also to be docked alongside Okorocha, are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, all the other defendants were present in court except the former governor.
Oba Maduabuchi SAN, announced representation for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th defendants, while Darlington Ozurumba appeared for the 5th defendant.
However, the prosecution, Cosmas Ugwu informed the court that the 1st defendant, Rochas Okorocha was not in court because he had not been served with the charge.
My Lord, the matter would have been for the arraignment of the defendants but the 1st defendant is not in court.
“Effecting service on him has been difficult, but we have served all other defendants.
“We need another date to enable us effect service on the 1st defendant” the EFCC lawyer pleaded with the court.”
Meanwhile, trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo has adjourned to March 28, by 12noon, for arraignment.
