The absence of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha in court yesterday stalled his arraignment with six other accused persons for alleged N2.9 billion fraud.
Okorocha was to be arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja with the others on a 17-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Other defendants in the charge are: Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
Okorocha, who now represents Imo West Senatorial District, is alleged to have worked with the other defendants to divert public funds estimated at N2.9 billion.
At the mention of the case, the former governor was not in court and was also not represented by any lawyer, while the other defendants were in court and represented by lawyers.
Lawyer to the EFCC, Cosmos Ugwu, told the court that Okorocha had been evading service of the charge on him.
Ugwu averred that security operatives attached to the senator had also made it impossible for the court officials to serve him personally.
Lawyers to the other defendants did not object to Ugwu’s request for an adjournment, following which Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till March 28 when the former governor is expected to be arraigned. (The Nation)
