Police release Okorocha, arraign aide, 13 others

Rochas Okorocha, lawmaker representing Imo West senatorial district has been released by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) barely twenty-four hours after arrest.

Okorocha, a former governor of the South-East state, was picked up yesterday after illegally gaining access to one of his wife’s landed properties confiscated by the governor, Hope Uzodinma.

Mr Uzodinma claims his predecessor siphoned state funds for personal aggrandizement while he held sway as governor for eight years.

Both police spokesperson in the state, Ikeokwu Orlando, and Senator Okorocha’s personal aide, Ebere Nzewuji, all confirmed his release Sunday night.

Mr Orlando said the lawmaker might be re-arrested and made to face the law if ongoing investigations found him culpable.

Meanwhile, Steve Asimobi, an aide to the lawmaker has been arraign before a magistrate court in Owerri.

Mr Asimobi alongside thirteen others are said to have participated in the forceful invasion of the Royal Spring Palm Hotel which was sealed by the state government.

The suspects, according to Mr Ikeokwu, are facing a 6-count charge bothering on conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, willingly and unlawful destruction of the official seal of the Imo State Government, conduct capable of causing a breach of peace.

Others are unlawful possession of firearms and a defamatory action on social media against the Governor of Imo state with the intent to injure the reputation of the state govt and person of Governor Hope Uzodinma.