Former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, has been arrested and subsequently released on bail by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Imo West.
Okorocha was arrested on Monday night, October 12, at REIZ Continental Hotel in Abuja, before being interrogated by police operatives and released on bail, according to reports citing the police.
The arrest reportedly followed a bench warrant obtained by the police after the former governor allegedly failed to honour invitations for questioning in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Reports indicate that Okorocha was initially invited to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on September 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to September 8 following a request by his lawyers. He allegedly failed to attend the rescheduled meeting.
The investigation centres on a disputed document purportedly showing that Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly disowned the document, stating that the official results submitted by the APC recognised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the winner of the primary.
The commission subsequently called on security agencies to investigate the circulation of the disputed results, raising concerns over alleged forgery and the presentation of false documents.
The development comes days after Okorocha publicly challenged reports that a court had issued an arrest warrant against him, demanding documentary evidence to substantiate the claims.
The former governor had also denied allegations that INEC or its Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner petitioned against him, maintaining that the circumstances surrounding the reports required clarification.
The police investigation and subsequent arrest have brought renewed attention to the dispute over the APC’s Imo West senatorial ticket.
The allegations against Okorocha remain subject to the legal process, and his arrest does not amount to a determination of guilt.
About the Author
