EFCC Set To Arraign Rochas Okorocha Over N2.9bn Fraud 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared the way for Mr Rochas Okorocha to be formally arraigned, with criminal charges served on his person at the detention facility.

iexclusivenews reports that Mr Okorocha was reportedly given a copy of the charge on Sunday evening, in preparation for his appearance in court on Monday, May 30 to enter his plea.

This online news outlet understands that Mr Okorocha, who is now a Senator representing Imo State in the Senate, was obliged to personally sign for the charge to pass the legal obstacle for the arraignment.

Our correspondent learned that as soon as the former governor acknowledged receipt of the allegation. He was allowed to call roughly five lawyers to discuss the situation and select the next course of action.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate had been missing from court twice for arraignment, claiming that the charge had not been personally served on him, as required by law.

However, the anti-graft agency, through its counsel, said before the Federal High Court in Abuja that Okorocha refused to pick up phone calls from the agency and that text messages issued to him to report in court were not honored.

Mr. Cosmos Ugwu, the lawyer for the EFCC, could not be reached for comment on the recent development, but a source claimed it was a positive step for the agency.

“All we are after is to move him to court on May 30 for the arraignment and we have substantially achieved that with the service of the charge on him.”

“You will recall that the challenge of EFCC has been on how to get him served and we have crossed that hurdle now. I can confirm to you that Okorocha will be made to appear in court. We will help him to court”, the source said.

What You Need To Know 

Okorocha was arrested by EFCC officials on Tuesday in his Abuja residence as part of efforts to secure his appearance in court on Monday.

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iexclusivenews recalled that on Monday, March 28, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened to dismiss Okorocha’s N2.9 billion money laundering charges if the Federal Government failed to arrange for his appearance in court once more.

Following the Federal Government’s failure to serve charges on Okorocha as required by law. The judge threatened to dismiss the accusations.

During the March 28 proceedings. The Federal Government informed Justice Ekwo for the second time, through its counsel, Mr. Cosmos Ugwu. That he had not been able to visit Okorocha and serve him with the charges.

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The Federal Government’s allegations against Okorocha, dated January 24, 2022. Were signed on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by one A.O Ikota.

Okorocha, a Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly. Will stand trial alongside six others on N2.9 billion money-laundering accusations.

Meanwhile, iexclusivenews Nigeria reports that the federal government has charged the senator with 17 counts of unlawful diversion of public funds and properties.