The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its operatives laid siege on the Abuja residence of former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha on Tuesday.
The EFCC in a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren explained that the step taken became necessary after Okorocha jumped administrative bail.
Uwujaren added in the statement that the lawmaker has been evading service of court papers and refused to show up in court to answer charges against him.
He explained that Senator Okorocha is standing trial for a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion brought against him by the EFCC but has refused to show up in court.
The EFCC explained that the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja had warned during the last sitting (March 28th, 2022) when the case was adjourned till May 30, 2022 that no further adjournment will be granted hence the need by the operatives to forcefully arrest Okorocha to present him in court.
The statement reads: “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), today May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former Governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to effect his arrest.
“The move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the commission.
“ EFCC had on January 24, 2022 filed a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion against Okorocha.
“ The case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.
“At the last adjourned date, March 28th, 2022, Justice Ekwo before adjourning until May 30th, 2022, had warned that it was “the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter”.
“In the circumstances, the commission is left with no option than to effect the arrest of Senator Okorocha and bring him to trial.”
Naija News earlier reported that EFCC operatives on Tuesday laid siege on the private residence of Okorocha who is a presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress.
The house is located at No 3, Nyasa Close, Off Ontario Street, Abuja.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News