By The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a former former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the determination of his bail application.
The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the remand on Monday, when Okorocha, a presidential hopeful under the ruling All Progressives Congress, was arraigned before the court, alongside his ally, Anyim Chinenye.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to a 17-count money laundering charge levelled against them.
Ekwo then adjourned the hearing of the bail applications by Okorocha and Chinenye, till Tuesday. He also ordered that the defendants should remain in EFCC custody, pending the determination of their bail request.
It would be recalled that men of the anti-graft agency had invaded the Abuja residence of the Imo West Senator and arrested him last week.
The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren had said the arrest was necessitated by Okorocha’s refusal to attend his trial.
The Commission had filed a 17-count criminal charge edging on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9bn against Okorocha.
Other defendants listed are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
