Court refuses Okorocha’s request to stop seizure of his properties

A federal high court in Abuja has refused to grant an order of interim injunction sought by Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Imo government.

In February, a high court in Imo had ordered the interim forfeiture of all the properties said to be acquired through “illegal means” by Okorocha.

But Okorocha, had through Oba Maduabuchi, his lawyer, asked the court to issue a restraining order against the EFCC and Imo government from confiscating his properties.

He had also asked the judge to restrain the defendants from investigating him or implementing the recommendations of the panels set up to probe previous administrations in the state, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Ahmed Mohammed, presiding judge, held that granting the order at a time when the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter is being challenged, will not be in the interest of justice.

Meanwhile, on August 9, TheCable had reported that an Owerri high court ordered the final forfeiture of the said properties.

But reacting to the judgement through Oba Maduabuchi, his lead counsel, the former Imo governor said he would appeal the judgment.