Court threatens to strike out EFCC’s money laundering suit against Okorocha

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday threatened to strike out a money laundering suit by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former Imo governor Rochas Okorocha.
Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning following a complaint by Cosmas Ugwu, counsel for the EFCC, that all efforts by the agency to effect service of court processes on Mr Okorocha had been unsuccessful.
Mr Okorocha, who is expected to be arraigned on a 17-count money laundering charge, is the current senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.
Senator Okorocha, who is the 1st defendant, is to be arraigned alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Ltd., Perfect Finish Multi Projects Ltd., Consolid Projects Consulting Ltd., Pramif International Ltd., and Legend World Concepts Ltd.
Justice Ekwo had on February 22, adjourned the arraignment until March 28, after Mr Ugwu pleaded with the court over the agency’s inability to serve Mr Okorocha.
But, when the matter was called on Monday, Mr Ugwu informed the court that the matter had been slated for arraignment of the defendants.
He, however, said unfortunately the first defendant was yet to be served with the charge.
The EFCC counsel said several efforts made to effect the service so that all the defendants could be charged together were unsuccessful.
“In view of this, we plead with my lord to graciously accommodate us with an adjournment,” he said.
Justice Ekwo reminded Mr Ugwu that on February 22, when the case came up, he had given the same excuse.
“One month plus you are still coming to say you are yet to serve,” the judge said.
Justice Ekwo said though he would grant Mr Ugwu’s prayer for another adjournment, if he came up with the same excuse in the next adjourned date, the matter would be struck out.
“This will be the last time this matter will be adjourned,” he said.
The judge said the adjournment was to see how serious the commission was in prosecuting the matter.
He then adjourned the matter until May 30, for the defendants’ plea to be taken.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road
Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

NationWide
Obi thanks God @65, donates ₦10 million to rural hospital in Anambra community
Mr Obi expressed gratitude to God and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

States
Firearm, phone recovered as police nab four suspected kidnappers in Anambra
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant.

Heading 3
Spain lift 2026 World Cup after beating Messi’s Argentina
The defeat meant that Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates failed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 64 years.

States
Fire service rescues man trapped under collapsed Kano wall
The PRO said that the victim was rescued alive and conveyed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State.

Heading 1
Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu for 2027 Ogun governorship race
Mr Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.





