Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha Allegedly Arrested in Abuja Hotel

According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, former Imo State governor and senator, Rochas Okorocha, has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Imo West.

According to a report by The Sun Nigeria, the former governor was arrested at the REIZ Continental Hotel in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The report stated that the arrest followed the issuance of a bench warrant by a court after Okorocha allegedly failed to honour police invitations for questioning over the matter.

The development comes amid a dispute surrounding the APC senatorial primary election results for Imo West, also known as Orlu Senatorial District, and claims concerning a document purportedly issued in Okorocha’s name.

The allegations have not been established as proven offences, and the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest have yet to be fully clarified.

The controversy reportedly centres on a document circulating under Okorocha’s name that allegedly claimed he had won the APC senatorial primary for Imo West.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly questioned the document, with the commission recognising Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the legitimate winner of the party’s primary.

The dispute has raised questions about the authenticity of the document and the circumstances under which it was circulated.

Police investigators are reportedly examining allegations of forgery, impersonation and criminal conspiracy in connection with the matter.

However, the available report does not provide details of the specific evidence being investigated or establish whether Okorocha personally prepared, authorised or circulated the disputed document.

The reported arrest is therefore linked to allegations that would require investigation and, where appropriate, determination through the judicial process.

Before the reported arrest, Okorocha had reportedly dismissed earlier claims that a court had issued a warrant for his arrest.

The former governor was said to have challenged those making the allegations to provide documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.

The latest report, however, indicates that law enforcement authorities subsequently acted on a bench warrant in connection with the ongoing investigation.

It remains unclear from the available account whether the police have formally stated the circumstances of the arrest, where Okorocha was taken after being apprehended or whether he has been charged before a court.

Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State and former senator representing Imo West, remains a prominent political figure in the state.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of political competition within the APC in Imo State, where questions surrounding party primaries and candidate selection can have implications for future electoral contests.

Uzodimma, who is also the state governor, has been identified by INEC as the recognised winner of the disputed primary, according to the report.

The allegations against Okorocha have not, however, been established as a judicial finding of guilt. Any criminal liability would have to be determined through the appropriate legal process.

As of the time of this report, no detailed response from Okorocha or an official statement from the Nigeria Police Force addressing the specific allegations was included in the available information.

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