Alleged treason: Irona, ex-Imo deputy governor, denied bail

A high court in Owerri has refused to grant bail to Gerald Irona, former Imo state deputy governor.

Irona, who was the deputy governor of the state between May 29, 2019, and January 14, 2020, was arrested by the police on February 8 at his Owerri residence.

He was previously arraigned on a three-count charge before C.N Ezerioha, a magistrate, on Thursday after which he was remanded in prison.

On Tuesday, Irona was brought before S.I Opara, a high court judge.

Counsel to the former deputy governor, S.I. Imo, prayed the court to grant bail to his client.

However, the police counsel argued that it would be unlawful for the judge to entertain the bail application when a counter-bail application had not been filed by the prosecutors.

After listening to the arguments, the Judge denied Irona bail.

He adjourned the case till March 22 to enable the prosecutors to file their counter-bail affidavit.

The police have accused Irona of conspiring with others at large, to commit a treasonable felony.

Police said Irona had threatened to make the state ungovernable for Hope Uzodinma when he (Uzodinma) assumed office in 2020.

The police also alleged that the former deputy governor converted for his personal use, two Land Cruiser Jeeps (V8 and V6) and one Toyota Hilux vehicle valued at N193 million belonging to the state government.

Meanwhile, Irona and his former principal and former governor, Emeka Ihedioha, have been invited by the police over alleged murder, kidnapping, and arson cases.