After about six months during which he failed to prove legitimate ownership of a string of choice properties and investment while he was governor, Sen . Rochas Okorocha has finally forfeited multibillion naira in assets to Imo.
Oweeri High Court Justice Fred Njemanze stated that Okorocha’s counsel failed to give concrete and verifiable reasons why a final and absolute forfeiture order should not be given in favour of the Imo State Government.
He dismissed Okorocha’s counsel’s argument the forfeiture suit was not properly filed, saying it was irrelevant.
The justice insisted that the White Paper Gazette by the Imo State Government is a legal binding document.
Njemanze gave an interim order on February 36 so the defendant could prove his case.
Now, on August 9, the court handed down its verdict
“There was no concrete reason before the court why the forfeiture should not be made absolute and final. Hence, the Imo State Government can go ahead and do whatever it deems fit to do with the properties” he said.
The properties have been returned to the Imo State Government.
The forfeited properties are said to be contained in pages 226 to 272 of the Imo State Government White Paper report by a Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Recovery of Lands and other related matters.
Among the assets the former lost to the state are:
— Eastern Palm University, Ogboko
— Royal Spring Palm Hotels and Apartments
— IBC staff quarters said to have been illegally acquired for the purpose of Rochas Foundation College
— Owerri Magistrate Quarters, Orlu Road/Cooperative Office/Girls Guide allegedly converted to private use housing Market Square and Kilimanjaro Eatery
— Public building situated at plot B/2 Otamiri South Extension Layout given to the Ministry of Women Affairs for establishing a skills acquisition centre for women, allegedly acquired for the benefit of Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha’s All-In Mall along Aba road.
— Plot P5, Naze Residential Layout, initially part of Primary School Management Board but now annexed to All-In Mall along Aba Road, belonging to Mrs Nkechi Okorocha
— And all the properties contained from pages 226 to 272 of the government white paper on the recommendation of the judicial commission of inquiry into land administration in Imo State from June 2006 to May 2019.