Emerging report reaching Page 36 on Sunday, indicates that some Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a former Governor of the State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who has been at war with the incumbent Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma.
Also arrested were Ijeoma Igboanusi and Lasbrey Okafor-Anyanwu.
Igboanusi was the Deputy Chief of Staff (Domestics), while Okafor-Anyanwu was the Commissioner for Transportation under the Governor Okorocha administration.
Senator Okorocha was arrested after unsealing the Spring Palm Estate, which was linked to his wife, Nkechi Okorochas, by the Governor Uzodinma Imo State Government.
Senator Okorocha had gone to the Estate with his supporters, Policemen, Soldiers, and Personnel of National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and ordered the unsealing of the Estate.
Government Officials had mobilised to the Estate, leading to a free-for-all, as many were reportedly injured, while some cars were damaged.
A Spokesperson for the Imo State State Police Command, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the arrest of Senator Okorocha.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, also confirmed the arrest, saying that, Senator Okorocha will be arraigned in court tomorrow.
Reacting to the development, Senator Okorocha alleged that the Governor of Imo State attacked him with “more than 1,000 thugs”.
He and 3 of his Political Associates were arrested by the State Police Command.
Senator Okorocha’s Spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo, in a statement, alleged that Governor Uzodinma’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chinasa Nwanari, allegedly led thugs who stormed the Estate and destroyed vehicles in Senator Okorocha’s convoy.
The statement reads: “More than 1,000 thugs, armed to teeth with knives and guns, and led by Chinasa Nwaneri, Governor Hope Uzodinma’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, today, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, with the backing of armed Policemen from Government House, attacked the former Governor of the State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha’s Convoy.
“They attacked and damaged all the Vehicles in his Convoy. They also attacked his Personal Aides.
“Senator Okorocha was with only his Personal Aides, when the thugs unleashed the attack.
“This is the information we can give as of now. We are still watching events as they unfold.
“Okorocha has the strongest political structure in the State, and teaming followers in the State. If he had expected the attack, he would not have moved with his Personal Aides alone.
“Okorocha has never been a violent man. This planned attack, but unprovoked and unwarranted, has opened a new, but ugly chapter in the politics of the State. We shall react fully to the situation.”
More news later…