The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed N2.9 billion fraud charges against a former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
This is coming a few days after Mr Okorocha officially declared his intention to join the presidential race in 2023.
The former Imo Governor was charged alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
In the 17 counts filed on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, EFCC alleged that they conspired to steal N2.9 billion public funds.
According to the EFCC, the Defendants committed the alleged offence between October 2014 and February 2016.
In April 2019, Okrocha, grilled by EFCC for two days over alleged financial fraud.
Also in August 2019, EFCC grilled the senator after tracing some properties to him, including residential estates, schools, and shopping malls.
Among the sealed property and investments traced to Okorocha in July 2019 were Rochas Foundation College, Owerri, East High Primary and Secondary school, Owerri which belonged to Okorocha’s first daughter, Uloma Nwosu, and All-In Supermarket, Owerri, Imo State.