Okorocha denies N2.9bn fraud allegations, to remain in EFCC custody till May 31

Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha on Monday finally appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to the N2.9 billion corruption charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The alleged fraud was said to have been perpetrated by Okorocha and one Anyim Inyerere with the use of their private companies between 2014 and 2016 when he held sway as the Executive Governor of Imo State.

Though he denied all the charges, Okorocha has however engaged the services of four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, comprising Okey Amaechi, Solomon Umor, Ola Olanipekun, and Kehinde Ogunwumiju to defend him from the grievous allegations against him.

Justice Inyang Ekwo who took his plea, however, ordered his further detention till May 31 when his bail application would be argued.

Shortly after taking the plea, EFCC counsel, Gbolahan Latona asked the judge for an adjournment to enable him to assemble his witnesses that will testify during the trial.