Fourteen aides of former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, are facing prosecution for acts likely to breach the peace and security of the state.
They were formally arraigned before B. U Adikaibe, magistrate of court 4, Owerri, on a seven-count charge bordering on disturbance of peace and security of the state and destruction of government seal at Royal Spring Palm Estate, Owerri, on Sunday.
Arraigned were Eberendu Chimechefulem, Ebere Nwoke, Basil Mba, Ebuka Samuel, Darlington Ibekewe, Obasi Goodluck, Nwaiwu Ndubuisi, Ekpendu Peace, Steve Anisnuobi and Ebere Nwokeobi.
The prosecution counsel, M. A. Omo-Osagie, told the court that Okorocha’s former appointees, Lasbery Okaforanyanwu and Ijeoma Igboanusi, and his sons-in-law, Uche Nwosu and Uzoma Anwuka, were at large.
The arraigned defendants pleaded not guilty and an application was made for their bail by their lead counsel, Eddy Onyema.
There was however some drama as one of the defendants, Ibekwe, slumped during the 15 minutes break the magistrate gave to rule on the bail application.
The defendants was attended to quickly by his co-defendants who poured water on him.
Shortly after, they were admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million each.
