The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has explained why its agents occupied Senator Rochas Okorocha’s Abuja home on Tuesday to arrest him.
According to the anti-graft agency, the action was taken in response to the former governor’s refusal to accept invitations after he violated the administrative bail granted to him by the Commission.
The EFCC explained the situation in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday titled, ‘Why We Are At Okorocha’s Home – EFCC.’
The statement read, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 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.”
Things took a different turn at the residence after supporters of the Imo west senator flocked to the premises, singing and chanting Okorocha’s praises.
After the supporters refused to leave when asked, security operatives fired into the air.
Everyone, including senatorial staff and journalists, was chased away by the operatives.
