The Imo Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a former governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha.
Okorocha was arrested on Sunday, February 21, 2021 by the Imo State Government.
The Police said it took Okorocha into custody to explain why he led the violent entry into a sealed government property – the Royal Palm Estate along Akachi road in Owerri.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Orlando Ikeokwu clarified the circumstances behind his arrest.
Ikeokwu told newsmen that the police moved to Akachi road when they received a distress call that the Royal Palm Estate sealed by the government had been violently opened by men led by Okorocha.
The former governor, a serving senator, represents Imo West Senatorial district.
“The command received a distress call regarding what we termed to be an unrest at Royal Spring Palm estate…Operatives moved to the place. We discovered Okorocha led some persons to the place hitherto sealed by the Imo government.
“The command calmed the situation and invited Okorocha to come and explain why he led the violent breaking into the estate that led to damage.”
Meanwhile, Okorocha was arrested alongside some of his former political appointees. They included Steve Asunobi, lasbery Anyanwu and Ijeoma Igboanusi.
Imo State government had a few days ago announced the recovery of the Royal Palm Estate; located along Akachi road in Owerri, the capital.
The recovery of the property was in compliance with the directive of the Imo state gazette on the report of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the recovery of Lands and other related matters.
The Commission had recommended the recovery of illegal land and structures acquired by the administrations between 2006-2019.
A statement issued by the office of Governor Hope Uzodinma noted that the recovery exercise would continue unhindered.
“The present administration is therefore not resting on its oars in recovering all the stolen property of the state; especially those carted away by the previous administration and in line with the 3R mantra initiative of Gov. Hope Uzodimma.
“The state must continue to work in line with the relevant laws and recommendations of government agencies and commissions; no matter whose ox is gored.’’
Okorocha had taken offence at the action of his successor and proceeded to storm the property on Sunday; leading to his arrest and detention.
Earlier reports had said that Okorocha was arrested by security agents after leading some men to forcefully gain access to the Royal Spring Palm Hotels and Apartments, which was sealed off by the Imo State Government last week.
The property was said to belong to his wife, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha.
The Uzodinma administration had also recently recovered the Eastern Palm University from the Okorocha family.
(1N, TW, GS)
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