Nigeria’s police say the former Imo State governor will return for further questioning as investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation continue.
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has been arrested and released on bail by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
Okorocha was arrested in Abuja on Monday night and released after about an hour of interrogation, according to reports by Channels Television and other Nigerian media outlets.
The Imo State Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the arrest and release, saying the former governor had been asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further questioning as investigations continue. Source: Channels Television report cited by other outlets
The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations concerning the ongoing investigation. He was initially invited on 2 September, but the appointment was rescheduled to 8 September following a request by his lawyers.
Dispute over APC primary results
The investigation comes amid allegations involving disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results for Imo West, also known as the Orlu zone.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly asked the police and the Department of State Services to investigate a document allegedly circulated by Okorocha, which purported to show that he won the party’s senatorial primary in May.
INEC said its official records showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was the recognised winner of the primary and that his name had been submitted to the commission by the APC. Channels Television
The allegations have also featured in reports of a purported court order seeking the arrest of Okorocha and former senator Ifeanyi Araraume, alongside two other individuals, over alleged criminal conspiracy, forgery and the tendering of false documents.
However, Okorocha has disputed reports that a court issued an arrest warrant against him, questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged order and urging the public to disregard the report. Premium Times
Okorocha governed Imo State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Imo West in the Senate.
The police investigation is continuing. The allegations remain unproven, and Okorocha’s arrest and release on bail do not amount to a finding of guilt.
