Former Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been granted N500 million bail by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On a 17-count criminal charge bordering on financial impropriety, Okorocha is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Read Also: Lagos continues crackdown, demolishes seven buildings in Mushin
Okorocha served as governor of Imo State from 2011 to 2019 and is now a Senator in the National Assembly, representing Imo West.
Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Console Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited were among the other companies docked alongside Okorocha.
On Monday, May 30, the EFCC arraigned the former governor.
The EFCC’s court documents revealed how the Senator awarded 12 contracts totaling N20 billion in violation of the public procurement act.
A government committee uncovered N112.8 billion in “dubious debts” owed to the state by various banks during Okorocha’s tenure, according to court documents.
“I understand the charge against me, but I am not guilty my lord,” said the former governor when the charge was read to him on Monday.
Read Also: NAFDAC arrests businessman for alleged importation of fake malaria drugs
All of the other defendants pleaded not guilty to the January 24 charge.