TheCable

Florence Duruoha-Igwe, chairperson of the Abia judicial panel of inquiry on recovery of government properties, has ordered the arrest of Kelechi Imeoria, former accountant-general of the state.

Duruoha-Igwe gave the order on Friday during a panel sitting in Umuahia, the state capital.

The panel ordered the arrest of the former accountant-general for failing to appear before the committee over alleged refusal to return an official vehicle.

The accountant-general was said to have been given a black Toyota Jeep by Okezie Ikpeazu, the immediate past governor of the state.

She said the accountant-general failed to honour the invitation of the panel and did not relate unavoidable impediments to the panel.

The chairperson said he had flouted the law and should be brought before the panel alongside the vehicle in his possession.

“There was no reason or exemption letter from Mr. Imeoria or his counsel, Mrs. Esther Nwosu, stating that they would not be able to appear before the panel,” she said.

“His last appearance before the panel was on 26th of January, 2024.”

She added that the next panel sitting would be held on February 9, 2024.