EXTRA: Imo government asks citizens to arrest Okorocha

The Imo state government has ordered its citizens to arrest of Rochas Okorocha, former governor of the state, over alleged assault on Jasper Ndubuaku, a government official.

Uche Onyeaguocha, secretary to the state government (SSG), made the demand after Ndubuaku, chairman of the Recovery of Government Properties, was allegedly assaulted at Okorocha’s residence.

Onyeaguocha said the state had also placed Okorocha on security watch and urged Imo citizens to arrest him and alert the government whenever they find him in the state.

A video, trending online on Thursday, captured some persons beating Ndubuaku at Okorocha’s residence on Spibatt Avenue, Owerri.

Rabiu Ladodo, commissioner of police in the state, confirmed that a citizen’s arrest had been declared on Okorocha over the incident.

He said that the senator representing Imo west would be arrested and prosecuted anytime he enters the state.

The commissioner of police said that police would investigate the senator’s involvement in the matter.

Narrating his ordeal to NAN, Ndubuaku alleged that he was beaten at Okorocha’s residence and thrown into a gutter.

He said he was first held hostage for some hours in the presence of security men attached to Okorocha’s residence.

He said that the recovery team obtained a court order to search Okorocha’s house.

“We got a court order to recover stolen properties kept in Okorocha’s house and when we got to his house on Thursday, armed thugs attacked us,” he said.

“There are twenty government vehicles in his house, four Speed Boats, one movable Crain and generator sets, which we went to recover before the incident.

“We will not give up the battle, we will go back to his house because the property belongs to Imo government.”

Relating to the government’s order, Sam Onwuemeodo, media aide of Okorocha, said the recovery committee was attacked by the former governor’s sympathisers and passersby.

He said the team went to Okorocha’s house without a court order, adding that they invaded Okorocha’s residence with at least 50 “thugs”.