By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
Arraigned former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N2.9 billion.
Okorocha was arraigned along with six other defendants – Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Ltd, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Ltd, Pramif International Ltd, and Legend World Concepts Ltd.
Okorocha, a serving Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, had, during his time as Imo State governor, allegedly converted to personal use proceeds from sales of state property lodged in the Joint State/Local government Project Account.
The anti-graft agency said it planned to present about 13 to 15 witnesses in the trial, alleging that the politician had used the five companies, which are co-defendants in the suit, to carry out the alleged crime.
After the defendants gave a not-guilty plea, the trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, adjourned till Tuesday 31 May for hearing on the bail application.
Meanwhile, the APC presidential aspirant is to keep cooling off at EFCC’s remand custody pending the hearing and determination of the bail application on Tuesday.
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