Court releases Okorocha on bail, ex-gov prays for EFCC officials

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, admitted a former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to bail in the sum of N500m.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who said granting bail was a discretionary power of the court, admitted the ex-governor to bail with one surety in like sum.

Justice Ekwo, while admitting the senator representing Imo West Senatorial District to bail with a cautionary statement, ordered that his international passport be deposited in the registry of the court.

He further ordered the lawmaker not to travel outside the country except with the approval of the court.

Ekwo also granted Okorocha’s co-defendant, Anyim Chinenye, a bail in the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The judge adjourned the matter until November 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 for trial.

The EFCC has alleged that Okorocha and others associated with him laundered N2.9bn while serving as governor of Imo State.

Meanwhile, the senator, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sam Omwuemeodo, in Owerri, shortly after the bail, prayed for his prosecutor (EFCC) and hails the decision of the court.

The statement read partly,  “We thank God for this juicy and lofty development…We also thank those who had devoted their precious  time to prayers, for God’s intervention.

“Most importantly, our gratitude goes to justice Ekwo, who had seen the efficacy of granting bail to the Ogboko born enigma.

“Equally, we pray that God would bless the astute lawyers handling the case. They have remained wonderful.

“We ask God to show love to the leadership and officers of the EFCC and grant them their heart desires.”