Police in Imo state yesterday foiled an attempt to surreptitiously remove properties from one of the warehouses owned by Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha earlier sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The policemen also impounded two trailers allegedly deployed to evacuate properties stocked in one of the warehouses belonging to the wife of the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.
The committee on the Recovery of Moveable Assets of the State Government led by Hon. Jasper Ndubuaku had earlier stopped Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma from removing properties from the same warehouse located along Aba road.
A police source who spoke to newsmen in confidentiality said that the police acted on a tip-off, and stormed the area leading to the arrest of 12 persons.
He said, “following a tip-off last Sunday night, after two trailers had moved into the warehouse late in the night, a police team was despatched to the premises. “Those inside the premises however refused to open the gate. The police team therefore cordoned off the building till this morning (Monday) when it stormed the premises. The two trailers were impounded and 12 persons arrested.”
Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Orlando Ikeokwu confirmed the incident, adding that two trailers were impounded and taken to the State Police command headquarters, Owerri.
The warehouse is among the properties of the ex-governor, his relatives and cronies sealed months ago by the Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.
The properties include: Dews of Hope Hospital traced to Dr. Paschal Obi, former Principal Secretary to Okorocha; All-In-One Shop and Furniture show room; and premises belonging to Imo State Broadcasting Corporation now converted to Rochas Foundation College owned by Senator Okorocha”.
Other properties include East High Academy and East High College, owned by Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma Nwosu; Royal Spring Palm Hotel and Apartment, a 16-block cum 96 flats and eight bungalow multi-million Naira estate traced to Okorocha’s wife.