By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
ABUJA — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation.
The former governor was taken into custody on Monday night, October 12, 2026, at REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja.
According to security sources, the arrest was executed following a judicial bench warrant obtained by the police after the former governor repeatedly failed to honour official invitations in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Okorocha was initially invited to report to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on September 2, 2026.
However, at the instance of his legal representatives, the appointment was rescheduled to September 8. The former senator subsequently failed to appear on the agreed date, forcing law enforcement authorities to secure a court order to compel his appearance.
Following an hour-long interrogation at the Force Headquarters shortly after his arrest, police spokesperson CSP Aniete Iniedu confirmed that Okorocha was granted administrative bail and instructed to return on Tuesday, October 13, for further questioning.
Senator Rochas Okorocha served as the Governor of Imo State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Imo West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly.
This development marks another chapter in the legal troubles surrounding the former governor since leaving office.
Okorocha has previously been the subject of multiple investigations by federal anti-graft and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations relating to corruption, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds during his tenure as governor.
Law enforcement authorities maintain that the current investigation strictly follows due process, emphasizing that the bench warrant became necessary to ensure accountability and compliance with the law.