A magistrate’s court sitting in Owerri on Monday granted bail to the tune of N5 million each to the 14 aides who were arrested with former Imo governor Rochas Okorocha on Sunday.

The 14 defendants were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of public peace, possession of firearms and unlawful destruction of the official seal of the Imo Government.

They were also charged with defamatory publication against the governor of the state with the intent to injure the reputation of the state government and the person of the state governor.

The defendants were arrested on Sunday, February 21, for allegedly breaking into premises sealed by the state government.

The premises known as Royal Spring Palm Estate is said to be owned by the wife of Mr. Okorocha, Nkechi.

The presiding magistrate, B.U Adikaibe, who ruled on the bail application made for the release of the defendants, granted them bail to the tune of N5m each.

The magistrate also insisted that a traditional ruler in the state must stand in as a surety.

The defendants are Eberendu Chiimechefulem, his legislative aide, Steve Asinuob, Obasi Goodluck, Nwaiwu Ndubuisi, Median Ijeoma, Obor Victor, Ucheka Claudin, Sunday Chisom, Ekpendu Peace, Nev F. Raphael, Basil Mba, Steve Asimobi, Ebere Nwokeji and Olu Chizoba. 

(NAN)