TheCable

The Imo state police command has arraigned 14 aides of Rochas Okorocha, former Imo governor, for allegedly causing violence in the state.

The accused persons brought before B. U Adikaibe, magistrate of court 4, Owerri, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on disturbance to the security of the state and destruction of government seal at Royal Spring Palm Estate, Owerri, on Sunday.

Some of the defendants are Eberendu Chimechefulem, Ebere Nwoke, Basil Mba, Ebuka Samuel, Darlington Ibekewe, Obasi Goodluck, Nwaiwu Ndubuisi, Ekpendu Peace, Steve Anisnuobi and Ebere Nwokeobi.

M. A. Omo-Osagie, prosecution counsel, told the court that Okorocha’s former appointees, Lasbery Okaforanyanwu and Ijeoma Igboanusi were at large.

Uche Nwosu and Uzoma Anwuka, Okorocha’s son-in-laws were also said to be at large.

Upon their plea of not guilty, Eddy Onyema, lead counsel for the defendants, moved their bail application.

Shortly after the magistrate stood down the matter for 15 minutes to enable her to rule on the bail applications, Ibekewe, one of the defendants slumped, causing tension in court.

However, Ibekwe was aided by his co-defendants with water.

The defendants were admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million each.

There was heavy security inside and within the court premises.

Okorocha was arrested on Sunday for unsealing a property seized by the state government.

The senator representing Imo west was escorted off the property by a detachment of police officers.

Royal Palm Hotel, the property reportedly owned by the senator’s wife, is said to be under investigation by the Imo government, hence the sealing.

Orlando Ikeokwu, Imo police spokesman, said the lawmaker was invited for questioning and was later released on Sunday night.