Imo First Group has dismissed as fake reports circulating online that an Abuja Magistrate Court issued an order for the arrest of Senators Ifeanyi Araraume and Rochas Okorocha.
The group described the report as a fabricated story allegedly designed to blackmail the two prominent sons of Imo State, insisting that no such arrest order exists.
In a statement, Imo First Group declared: “Purported Magistrate Court Order to arrest Senators Araraume and Rochas Okorocha is a hoax and never existed.”
The group alleged that those behind the report had attempted to obtain an ex parte order from a magistrate but were unsuccessful.
It claimed that the magistrate declined to grant the application and warned those involved, yet the purported arrest order subsequently circulated on social media.
“As usual, Imo politics, taken to the gutters, reared its head in a different dimension but was averted by a vigilant magistrate,” the statement said.
The group challenged those circulating the report to produce the alleged court order or warrant of arrest, insisting that the document does not exist.
“We challenge anyone in this macabre dance to show the court order or warrant of arrest. It’s preposterous to blackmail decent Imo sons on the altar of dirty politics,” it stated.
Group Questions Imo Government’s Democratic Credentials
Imo First Group also criticised the state’s current administration, questioning its democratic credentials and raising concerns about the political circumstances surrounding its emergence.
“What’s the problem of occupants of office that never won free and fair elections before?” the group asked.
It further questioned the political fortunes of individuals who allegedly contributed to the emergence of the current administration, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the 2019 governorship election would receive further attention.
“Show us anyone in Imo who has seen light or political elevation in this almost past seven years of this fraudulent Imo administration. Ask yourself this: Where are those who helped him to move from 4th position in 2019 guber elections to No. 1? That issue will soon come up,” the statement added.
Magistrate’s Position Raises Concern
The group further alleged that the circulation of the purported arrest order had placed the magistrate involved at risk of disciplinary action.
It claimed that the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory was considering suspending the magistrate over the report circulating on social media.
“Now, the online publication of this fallacy has put the magistrate in danger of losing his job. FCT Chief Judge is about suspending the magistrate based on what is circulating in the social media space,” the group alleged.
The claim concerning the magistrate’s alleged disciplinary predicament was not independently established in the statement.
Imo First Group warned that those responsible for circulating the report could face prosecution, urging politicians and their supporters to avoid turning political disagreements into criminal matters.
“Those carrying this falsehood will face prosecution. People shouldn’t take politics too far. We are in civilised clime, and political matters shouldn’t be treated in a criminal manner,” the group said.
It called on the people of Imo State to remain vigilant and resist actions it believes could undermine democratic governance.
“Imo people should be vigilant and say no to those derailing our democracy,” the statement concluded.
