Rochas Okorocha reportedly arrested in Abuja over APC primary dispute

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha was reportedly arrested by the Nigeria Police Force at a hotel in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026. The arrest is linked to allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation stemming from a dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Imo West.

The investigation centers on a disputed document claiming Okorocha won the party primary, a claim contested by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recognizes current Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the legitimate winner. Police stated the arrest followed Okorocha’s alleged failure to honor previous invitations for questioning in September.

While some reports indicate Okorocha was released on bail after approximately one hour of interrogation, his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, has denied that any arrest took place. Onwuemeodo claimed that any purported court-ordered warrant had already been vacated and characterized the reports as false. Police spokesperson CSP Aniete Iniedu confirmed the interrogation and stated that Okorocha has been instructed to return to the Force Headquarters for further questioning.