Former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja and released on bail after approximately one hour of interrogation.
The arrest took place on Monday night, 12 October 2026, at the REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja. According to reports, the development is connected to allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation involving disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election documents.
The Imo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, reportedly confirmed Okorocha’s arrest and subsequent release on bail to Channels Television.
Following the interrogation, the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 13 October, for further questioning as investigations continue.
DISPUTE OVER APC SENATORIAL PRIMARY RESULTS
The investigation reportedly centres on documents purportedly presented as the results of the APC senatorial primary election for Imo West Senatorial District, also known as Orlu Zone.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly questioned the authenticity of a document circulating under Okorocha’s name, which claimed that he won the party’s primary election.
According to INEC, its official records indicate that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma emerged as the winner of the primary election and was duly recognised as the party’s candidate for the district.
The commission reportedly urged the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the disputed documents over concerns that they might be fraudulent.
The matter has since generated controversy within the state’s political landscape, particularly over the authenticity of the documents and the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
OKOROCHA HAD PREVIOUSLY DISPUTED ARREST WARRANT REPORTS
Before news of his arrest emerged, Okorocha had publicly challenged reports claiming that a court had issued a warrant for his arrest.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, the former governor denied that such a court order existed and demanded that those making the claims produce the warrant.
He also questioned the reported timeline of the court order and the petition said to have prompted the investigation, arguing that the dates raised concerns about the accuracy of the reports.
Okorocha called on those circulating the claims to provide documentary evidence or retract the reports.
POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Okorocha’s release on bail does not, in itself, bring the investigation to an end. His reported return to the Force Headquarters for further questioning indicates that the police intend to continue examining the allegations.
The allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation remain allegations and should not be treated as proof of guilt.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses and more details emerge regarding the disputed APC primary election documents.
