BREAKING: Why Court Rejected Okorocha's Motion To Restrict EFCC, Imo Govt From Seizing His Properties

Okorocha through his counsel, Chief Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), told the court that his properties have been marked in several states in the country for confiscation, adding that unless the preservative order was issued against EFCC and Imo State government, he would be prejudiced.

However, the request was vehemently opposed by the EFCC and Imo State government on the ground that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the former governor's suit.

The anti-graft agency and Imo State Government argued that the suit is not the type that can be heard during court vacation.

They further argued that Okorocha did not meet the condition precedent for the matter to be heard during vacation adding that the Fiat of the Chief Judge of the federal high court ought to be sought and obtained before such matter can be heard during vacation.

The EFCC and Imo government cited Order 46 Rule 5 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedures Rule 2019 allegedly breached by Okorocha while filing the fresh motion.

Meanwhile, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed refused to grant the order of interim injunction as sought by Okorocha, on the grounds that granting the order in the midst of various challenges to the court jurisdiction in the matter will not be in the interest of justice.

Justice Mohammed thereafter, fixed August 24, 2021 to first hear the challenge by the EFCC and Imo State that the motion on notice filed by Okorocha cannot be heard during court vacation.

Recall that Justice Fred Njemanze of a High court sitting in Imo state on Monday, August 9, gave an order for Okorocha to permanently forfeit properties he allegedly acquired during his tenure to the state government.