Rochas Okorocha’s Aide, 13 Others Arraigned For Reopening Hotel Sealed By Imo Govt
Imo State police command has arraigned 14 persons including Eberendu Chiimechefulem, an aide-de-camp to former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha and his legislative aide, Steve Asinuobi before a magistrate court in Owerri, the state capital on Monday.
They were arraigned over the ‘forceful invasion’ of Royal Spring Palm Hotel which was sealed by the state government.
It would be recalled that the former Imo state governor last Friday led some of his supporters to reopen the hotel owned by his wife, Nkechi, which was sealed by the state government.
He and his supporters were later arrested by the police who were alerted by the state government.
This morning, the state police command arraigned Asimobi and 13 others before the court on a 6-count charge bothering on conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, willingly and unlawful destruction of the official seal of Imo State Government, a conduct capable of causing a breach of peace.
Others are unlawful possession of firearms and a defamatory action on social media against Governor of Imo state with the intent to injure the reputation of the state govt and person of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Some of defendants are Ebere Nwoke, Basil MBA, Ebuka Samuel, Darlington Ibekewe, Obasi Goodluck, Nwaiwu Ndubuisi, Ekpendu Peace, Steve Anisnuobi, and Ebere Nwokeobi.
They were arraigned before magistrate, B.U Adikaibe, who ruled on the bail application made for the release of the defendants.
Police prosecutor, Omo-Osagie M. A. told the court that Okorocha’s former appointees, Lasbery Okaforanyanwu, Ijeoma Igboanusi and his son in-laws, Uche Nwosu and Dr. Uzoma Anwuka, who participated in the reopening of the hotel are at large.
The Magistrate granted a N5m bond bail on each of the defendants and also insisted that a traditional ruler in the state must stand in as a surety.