Submitting its report to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the committee recommended the recovery of the Shell Camp land from Okorocha and his associates within six months and hand the same over to AIFCE.

The report which was signed by the chairman, Prof  Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe and the Secretary, Barr B F Anyanwu,  regretted that Okorocha, as governor, used brute force including the military and hoodlums to snatch the land from the college after which he allocated or sold same to his top associates.

Those who benefited from the bazaar and have been similarly asked to vacate the land include two of Okorocha’s in laws, Dr  Uzoma Anwuka and Hon. Kingsley Uju.

READ ALSO: Tinubu speaks on death of military officers in Niger State

Apart from Okorocha’s inlaws, a former Speaker, Chief Acho Ihim, Chief Charles Orie, Prince Charles Amadi and Chief Ugochukwu Hillary also allegedly benefited from the illegal acquisition.

The committee regretted that Okorocha ordered the demolition of 101 buildings belonging to staff of the college and thereafter confiscated their property.

It therefore urged the Imo State Executive Council “to direct the recovery of all the lands belonging to AIFCE, which are now illegally in the hands of individuals and institutions.”

It further asked the state government to ensure the recovery of the land within six months and thereafter issue a certificate of occupancy to the college.

“AIFCE should take full possession of the vacated land and property immediately upon recovery while the Commissioner for Lands and OCDA should recover the land within six months,” the committee recommended.

It further recommended that AIFCE should pay the agreed compensation to Orji indigenes who are the original owners of the land while the Army should vacate the shanties they erected in the land and finally move to Obinze.

Responding, Governor Uzodimma thanked the committee for doing a thorough job and promised that the state government would take all necessary steps in accord with due process to implement the committee’s recommendations.

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Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, said granting bail was a discretionary power of the court.

Justice Ekwo said the surety, who must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, must deposit the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the verified property with the registry of the court.

The judge, while admitting the senator to a bail with a cautionary statement, ordered that his international passport be deposited to the registry of the court.

He ordered the registry of the court to inform the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, about the state of Okorocha’s travel documents.

He further ordered the lawmaker not to travel outside the country except with the leave of the court.

Ekwo also granted Okorocha’s co-defendant, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, a bail in the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes , EFCC.

The judge adjourned the matter until Nov. 7, Nov. 8, Nov. 9, Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 for trial.

The development occurred after counsel for Okorocha, Solomon Umo, SAN, and that of Chinenye, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, took the applications.

Okorocha is the current senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.

The lawmaker, who is the 1st defendant, was arraigned alongside Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited as 2nd to 7th defendants respectively.

He was alleged to have laundered funds to the tune of N2.9 billion while serving as governor of Imo.

Source: NAN

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Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel for Okorocha, Okey Amaechi, SAN, told the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client, following his non-guilty plea.

The senator’s bail request is expected to be taken alongside his co-defendant, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye’s bail plea, who also filed the motion through his lawyer, Darlington Onwunzurumba.

After the matter was called, counsel for the EFCC, Gbolahan Latona, informed that a 17-count charge, dated January 24 and filed January 31, was before the court.

He prayed the court for the counts to be read to the defendants so they could take their plea.

Okorocha is the current senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.

The lawmaker, who is the 1st defendant, was arraigned alongside Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited as 2nd to 7th defendants respectively.

He was alleged to have laundered funds to the tune of N2.9 billion while serving as governor of Imo.

Shortly after the counts were read to the duo, Okorocha and Chinenye pleaded not guilty.

Justice Ekwo also entered a non-guilty plea for 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th defendants, which are companies allegedly used in committing the offence, after Onwunzurumba, who held the brief of Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, did not oppose it.

Latona, who asked for a trial date, told the court that majority of their witnesses were outside jurisdiction due to peculiarity of the case.

The judge then adjourned the matter until November 7, November 8, November 9, November 10 and November 11 for trial commencement.

But Amaechi, who was Okorochas’ lawyer, told the court that considering the adjourned dates, they planned to file an application challenging the competence of the charge.

He also said that a motion for his client’s bail, dated and filed on May 26, was filed and served on the prosecution.

He urged the court for the application to be taken.

Latona, who acknowledged receipt of the bail application, indicated his intention to oppose it.

Onwunzurumba, counsel for Chinenye (2nd defendant), also informed that he filed a bail application on behalf of his client.

The EFCC lawyer confirmed being served and said he would respond to the motion as well.

Amaechi, however, expressed his unhappiness over the manner Okorocha was arrested at his residence on May 24.

He alleged that without an arrest warrant, the operatives of the EFCC went to Okorochas’ residence, broke in, arrested him and locked him in their custody, having no regard to his status as a presidential aspirant.

The senior lawyer said against that backdrop, a bail application was filed.

Ekwo, who fixed May 31 (Tuesday) for the hearing of the bail application, ordered Okorocha and his co-defendant to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing and determination of the motions.

The court had, on Friday, refused to admit Okorocha to a bail.

Justice Ekwo, instead, ordered Okorocha, through his lawyer, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, to put the anti-graft agency on notice.

Olanipekun had, in an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/28/2022, prayed the court to grant Okorocha bail on liberal terms pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice filed on May 25.

Ekwo had, on March 28, given the anti-corruption commission May 30 (today) as the last time the matter would be adjourned following the EFCC’s complaint that it had been unable to serve Okorocha despite several efforts.

The judge had threatened to strike out the case if the EFCC failed to produce the senator in the next adjourned date, after two adjournments were granted for his arraignment.

Operatives of the EFCC were said to have invaded Okorocha’s residence May 24 following what they described as his refusal to honour the anti-corruption commission’s invitation after he was alleged to have jumped the administrative bail earlier granted to him.

Okorocha was whisked away after some hours and remanded at the EFCC’s custody.

Source: NAN

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Justice Inyang Ekwo, instead, ordered Okorocha, through his lawyer, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, to put the anti-graft agency on notice.

Olanipekun had, in an ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/28/2022, prayed the court to grant Okorocha bail on liberal terms pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice filed on May 25.

The ex-parte motion was dated and filed May 26.

Justice Ekwo held that since the matter would be coming up on Monday, May 30, making an order for the release of the lawmaker on bail would be unnecessary.

The senior lawyer also hinted that he had also filed a motion on notice, seeking for his client’s bail.

The judge, who fixed May 30 for the hearing of the motions, directed the lawyer to put the EFCC on notice.

Ekwo had, in the last adjourned date, given the anti-corruption commission May 30 as the last time the matter would be adjourned following the EFCC’s complaint that it had been unable to serve Okorocha despite several efforts.

The judge had threatened to strike out the case if the EFCC failed to produce the senator in the next adjourned date, after two adjournments for his arraignment.

Operatives of the EFCC were said to have invaded Okorocha’s residence on Wednesday following his refusal to honour the anti-corruption commission’s invitation after he was alleged to have jumped the administrative bail earlier granted to him.

Okorocha was whisked away after some hours and remanded at the EFCC’s custody.

Okorocha, an APC presidential aspirant, is standing trial alongside others on allegations bordering on money laundering while he served as governor of Imo State.

He and others were expected to be arraigned before Justice Ekwo on Monday.

Source: NAN

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It was gathered that the get-together was to show Buhari’s appreciation to the critical stakeholders for their continued support, understanding and cooperation to his administration.

It was also meant to show appreciation to the founding fathers for keeping faith with the goals and ideals of the ruling party for national salvation.

The engagement was also in furtherance of genuine efforts by the Buhari administration aimed at ensuring a rancour free and successful national convention of the party, slated for Saturday.

Others in attendance included the first Interim Chairman of Party, Chief Bisi Akande; Dr Ogbomnaya Onu; Rochas Okorocha; Ibrahim Shekarau and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

Others are Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna; Aminu Masari of Katsina, and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

The Chairman, Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Mai Mala Buni, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also attended the dinner.

No official statement was issued on the outcome of  interactive dinner as at the time of filing this report.

Buhari had earlier met with APC governors, national chairmanship aspirants of the party as well as the party’s leadership at the National Assembly during which issues relating to the APC National Convention were discussed.

Source: NAN

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Okorocha, who represents Imo-West at the National Assembly, said this in a letter addressed to  President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan and read at plenary on Wednesday.

The lawmaker also said that he planned to address a World Press Conference on January 31 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja to unfold his agenda on the race.

By the pronouncement, Okorocha  has joined a host of other aspirants from the South East seeking to be Nigeria’s president in 2023.

Source: NAN

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He therefore challenged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to unequivocally declare if money was printed or not.

Wike spoke while briefing journalists shortly after he attended the child dedication of Mr and Mrs Uche Nwosu in Abuja on Sunday.

His word: “Obaseki was in APC, so he understands them. So, Obaseki couldn’t have come from the blues to say they printed N60 billion. He knows them.”

Wike said it was regrettable that instead of the Governor of Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to address the issue raised by Obaseki, he opted to issue a veiled threat to states to pay back bailout loan given to them by the federal government.

“Instead of answering the question he (Emefiele) said governors have to pay back the bailout loan. Bailout is a loan, if you want to take it, go and take it. But answer the question whether money was printed or not printed,” he said.

The governor said his decision to attend Uche Nwosu’s (the son in law of former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha) child dedication, was devoid of politics or political affiliation.

He explained that his relationship with Senator Okorocha, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, started in 1999 when he was the chairman of Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State.

“I’ve known him (Okorocha) since 1999 when I was chairman of council. I didn’t know him today, so I don’t  because of politics or whatever it is, abandon people. It is my character to always keep my friendship with people. It is not based on party or politics. Friendship is friendship.”

Wike urged Okorocha and his wife not to be dispirited by the alleged political persecution they were currently facing.

According to him, the kind of political battle they had been through would cause them to rely on God and not on their mortal strength.

He further charged Senator Okorocha to consider joining hands with Nigerians who were determined to pull Nigeria from the brinks of economic collapse to the path of economic prosperity.

He lauded Uche Nwosu and his wife, Uloma, for organising the praise and worship church service to dedicate their son to God.

Wike explained that the reason why he had been able to survive several fierce political battles was because he had never stopped to give thanks to God.

“Because of my thanksgiving they can never defeat me. The greatest Army is God,” he declared.

The founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo said he had enormous respect for families and individuals who always returned to show gratitude to God for what He had done for them.

The pastor commended Mr and Mrs Nwosu for dedicating their child to God.

He maintained that whatever was dedicated to God shall never diminish.

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He described Uzodimma as running a government of intimidation.

Okorocha gave the warning on Monday while addressing his supporters at Spibat mansion in Owerri, following his arrest when he led his aides to unlock government seal at Royal Spring Palm Apartment.

The property belongs to his wife.

Although he was released, his aides were arraigned on Monday.

Condemning Uzodimma’s style of governance, Okorocha said the police should arrest some of the governor’s aides who he alleged attacked his own aides.

His words: “The way Governor Hope Uzodimma is going, he may not end well as governor. Insecurity is ravaging all. Over 10 houses were burnt in Oguta yesterday. He knows what he is doing. He wants everybody to fear him. Instead of him to face governance and pay salaries and secure the state, he is busy chasing shadows of violence.

“I call on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately arrest Chinasa Nwaneri and Eric Uwakwe. They are the aides of Governor Hope Uzodimma. They shot my aides and destroyed all my cars. If the police can’t arrest Chinasa Nwaneri who is known for bad record, they have no right to arrest any citizen of this country. As a senator, I am going to put a formal petition to that effect.

“Hope Uzodimma wants to rule Imo State by intimidation. He is busy demolishing all my projects without building anyone. Uzodimma has taken a personal attack on me and my family. Uzodimma has reported to the EFCC and ICPC and there are probe against me yet he is bent on fighting me.

“Uzodimma used the police against me yesterday. I, therefore, call on the IGP to probe the actions of Government House, Owerri policemen. Their actions were questionable. Chinasa Nwaneri shot my aide and my son-in-law, Uzor Anwuka.

“Everybody knows that I was not poor before I became governor. Talking about the estate, I was the one who begged my wife to come back home and invest in our state so that our people will have employment.

“More than 200 gunshots were fired at my aides yesterday. Uzodimma must be called to question. The governor was using his position to aid thuggery. Before I went to that estate on Sunday, I called the CP (Commissioner of Police) and the Director of DSS and they said they were not aware of the sealing of the estate, therefore, I went there to find those who sealed the estate without the approval of the police and the DSS and moreover, there was no court order. Uzodimma should not take my peaceful disposition for granted.”

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This is as the party also lifted the suspension of the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Osita Okechukwu, and former minister, Usani Uguru Usani.

The top politicians were suspended ahead of the 2019 general election over activities said to be inimical to the progress of the party.

The lifting of the suspension carried out by the National Working Committee of the party was announced on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

According to the party’s spokesman, the decision was taken to ensure fairness and harmony in the party.

He said the suspension was taken earlier to ensure that there was discipline.

The party called on those affected to reconcile with the different structures of the party and ensure that peace reigned.

“We have also shown that no individual is above discipline and that the party would always apply equity and justice in the day to day running of the party.

“We hope the concerned party members will seize this opportunity to fully reconcile themselves with their ward, local government, and state party structures, key into the party activities, and continue to make their own contributions to the growth and stability of the party.

“We urge them to also take steps to reconcile with groups and individuals that are important to ensuring a lasting solution to any conflict that may exist in their respective states,” the spokesman said.

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The probe will also affect other members of the party accused of the same offence.

Already, a five man committee has been set up to look into their cases.

It would be recalled that the two governors were suspended ahead of the 2019 general election over alleged anti-party activities.

Also suspended at the time, among others, were the  Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru, and the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu.

The National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday, announced the setting up of the committee.

According to him, the committee is headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South), of the APC, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, while National Vice Chairman (South West), Mr Bankole Oluwajana; National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala; National Treasurer, Adamu Fanda and National Disabled Leader, Misbau Lawal Didi, would serve as members.

It would be recalled that the party had stated that the suspended members would be probed after the 2019 general election.

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