By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The embattled former Governor of Imo state and Senator representing Orlu Zone in Nigeria’s Senate, Ethelbert Anayo Rochas Okorocha, has been released from the custody three days after he was arrested by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on the allegations of money laundering.
However, Prompt News reliably gathered in Abuja on Thursday that Okorocha’s release was facilitated by a high ranking member of the Upper Legislative Chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who stood as a surety for him.
Prompt News reports that Okorocha was arrested at about 4pm at his Unity House private office in the Garki Area of Abuja after a five-hour standoff with EFCC operatives who were said to have trailed him to the location to effect the arrest.
Sources said Okorocha had reportedly refused to honour previous invitations from the anti-graft commission hence he was picked up on Tuesday but was released on Thursday.
It can be recalled that in February, Okorocha was also invited for questioning by Imo State Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Mohammed over alleged misdemeanor.
The Police had said the Senator’s invitation was prompted by his alleged involvement in gaining forceful entry into a property confiscated by the State Government after an Imo State Panel of Inquiry found the former Governor guilty of land grabbing and illegal acquisition of Imo government properties.
Also, last month, the Imo State Government, through the Imo State Housing Corporation, revoked 50 plots of land allegedly belonging to Okorocha’s elder sister Mrs. Geraldine Obinali.
