A group known as the Imo First Group has denied the existence of a court order to arrest Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and former Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha. The group described the report as fake news and a ruse. In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the group challenged those spreading the news to make the court order public. The statement was in response to a report that a Senior Magistrate Court in Abuja had issued a bench warrant for their arrest.
According to the Imo First Group, the report was first posted on social media by Hon. Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, a media aide to Governor Hope Uzodimma, before being picked up by other media outlets. The group stated that the report claimed a Senior Magistrate Court issued a bench warrant dated September 9, 2026, following a petition by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo state, Barr. Chukwuemeka Ibejiako. The petition was allegedly over the presentation of fake APC primary results.
The Imo First Group strongly denied the existence of any such court order. The group challenged anyone in possession of the purported court order to publish it. They emphasized that no Senior Magistrate had ordered or issued a bench warrant for Araraume's arrest. The group also pointed out inconsistencies in the report, including the date of the bench warrant and the REC's petition.
The group further stated that the purveyors of the fake news had tried to trick the magistrate via an exparte order but were rebuked. The magistrate reportedly refused to grant their exparte and threatened to arrest them. Despite this, they continued to spread the falsehood. The group questioned the motives of those spreading the fake news, particularly those who had not won free and fair elections.
The Imo First Group expressed concern over the use of fake news to blackmail reputable Imo sons who have won elections. They challenged anyone involved in spreading the news to show the court order or warrant of arrest. The group described the situation as a "macabre surged dance" and called for an end to such dirty politics.
The report had claimed that the bench warrant was part of a case filed against Araraume and Okorocha over alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery. The Imo First Group's denial has raised questions about the credibility of the report and the motives of those behind it. The group's statement has been seen as a strong rebuttal to the fake news.
The incident highlights the challenges of fake news in Nigeria's political landscape. The Imo First Group's response demonstrates the need for fact-checking and verification in reporting. The group's call for the court order to be made public is a bid to promote transparency and accountability.
Key points
- - The Imo First Group has denied the existence of a court order to arrest Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and former governor Rochas Okorocha. - The group described the report as fake news and a ruse. - The incident highlights the challenges of fake news in Nigeria's political landscape.
