Former Imo State Governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday night.
The Imo State police command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the development
Okorocha, who was arrested in Abuja, was, however, released on bail by the NPF after an hour of interrogation over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
CSP Iniedu, who confirmed the arrest and subsequent release on bail, noted that the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.
The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations in connection with the ongoing investigation.
He was initially invited to the Force Headquarters on Sept. 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to Sept. 8 at the request of his lawyers, a date he reportedly failed to honour.
It was indicated that the police arrested Okorocha after obtaining a bench warrant following his alleged failure to honour invitations for interrogation.
The matter reportedly concerns an alleged dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results for Imo West.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly questioned a document circulating under Okorocha’s name, which claimed that he had won the APC primary, while the commission recognises Governor Hope Uzodimma as the legitimate winner.
Okorocha had reportedly dismissed earlier claims that a court had issued an arrest warrant against him, insisting that those making such allegations provide documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.