Ex-Imo Deputy Gov, Irona Remanded In Prison

The immediate past deputy governor of Imo State, Gerald Irona, has been remanded in prison.

A Magistrate Court in Owerri gave the verdict on Thursday, March 9, Naija News reports. Recall that Irona was apprehended on Wednesday by security operatives.

It was gathered earlier that he was arrested from his Owerri residence at about 10:15 am yesterday. Iron was detained at the Imo state police command before he was arraigned in court.

According to reports, his offence was because he stated that Imo state would be made ungovernable during that Supreme Court battle between Governor Hope Uzodimma and Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha if Ihedioha was removed from office.

However, after hearing the prosecution counsel and defence counsel today, the presiding magistrate, C. N Ezerioha, ordered that Irona be remanded in Owerri correctional centre. (sflix.video)

She further said that the court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Imo Gov’t Denies Knowledge Of Irona’s Arrest

Meanwhile, the Imo State government has denied knowledge of being behind the arrest of Irona. Amid uncertainties on the real reason why the former Deputy Governor was arrested, Irono’s media consultant, Destiny Ugorji, accused the State Government of orchestrating his arrest over what he described as “trumped-up charges.”

Ugorchi claimed that the state government was trying to weaken the opposition in Imo State.

He, however, stated that his principal had already written a statement at the police station and also fulfilled all his bail conditions.

However, in its reaction, the Imo government, through the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Collins Ughalaa, denied the allegation saying the governor of the state, Hope Uzodimma, doesn’t interfere with the affairs of the police.

Ughalaa, described the claim as “baseless and unfounded,” noting that it’s unfortunate Ugorji could make such an allegation.