Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation linked to disputed documents concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Imo West.
Okorocha was reportedly arrested on Monday night, October 12, 2026, at the REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja. He was subsequently released on bail after approximately one hour of interrogation, according to reports citing the police.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the arrest and release to Channels Television, adding that the former governor had been directed to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further questioning as investigations continued.
The arrest followed an investigation into allegations surrounding documents purporting to show that Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Senior Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abuja had reportedly issued bench warrants against Okorocha, former senator Ifeanyi Araraume and two other individuals over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and the presentation of false documents.
The other individuals named in the warrants were Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha.
The controversy intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate a document circulating in Okorocha’s name that purported to declare him the winner of the APC primary held on May 18, 2026.
INEC maintained that its authentic records showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma won the primary and was recognised as the party’s candidate for the Imo West senatorial district. The commission described the alternative document as fictitious and requested an investigation into its origin and authenticity.
Okorocha, however, had previously rejected reports that a court issued a warrant for his arrest. In a statement through his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, he challenged those reporting the existence of the warrant to make the court order public and threatened legal action if the claims were not substantiated.
The former governor also disputed claims concerning the alleged petition against him, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the reported warrant raised questions about the chronology of events.
The police have not publicly disclosed all the evidence being examined in the investigation. Okorocha’s arrest and the allegations against him do not amount to a conviction, and the matter remains subject to investigation and due process.
His release on bail does not end the investigation, as police have directed him to return for further questioning.
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