The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has fixed Tuesday to hear the bail application filed by Rochas Okorocha, the senator representing Imo West senatorial district.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel for Mr Okorocha, Okey Amaechi, told the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client, following his non-guilty plea.

The senator’s bail request would be taken alongside his co-defendant, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye’s bail plea, who also filed the motion through his lawyer, Darlington Onwunzurumba.

After the matter was called, counsel for the EFCC, Gbolahan Latona, stated that a 17-count charge, dated January 24 and filed January 31, was before the court.

Mr Okorocha, who is the first defendant, was arraigned alongside Mr Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited as second to seventh defendants, respectively.

He was alleged to have laundered N2.9 billion while serving as Imo governor.

Shortly after the counts were read to the duo, Messrs Okorocha and Chinenye pleaded not guilty.

Justice Ekwo also entered a not-guilty plea for the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh defendants, which are companies allegedly used in committing the offence, after Mr Onwunzurumba, who held the brief of Oba Maduabuchi, did not oppose it.

Mr Latona, who asked for a trial date, told the court that most of their witnesses were outside jurisdiction due to the peculiarity of the case.

The judge then adjourned the matter until November 7, November 8, November 9, November 10 and November 11 for trial commencement.

But Mr Amaechi, who was Mr Okorochas’ lawyer, told the court that considering the adjourned dates, they planned to file an application challenging the competence of the charge.

He also said a motion for his client’s bail, dated and filed on May 26, was filed and served on the prosecution, urging the court to take the application.

Mr Latona, who acknowledged receipt of the bail application, indicated his intention to oppose it.

Counsel for Mr Chinenye (second defendant) also informed that he filed a bail application on behalf of his client.

The EFCC lawyer confirmed being served and said he would respond to the motion.

Mr Ekwo, who fixed May 31 for the hearing of the bail application, ordered the lawmaker and his co-defendant to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing and determination of the motions.

(NAN)