Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Journalists have been barred from covering the arraignment of Governor David Umahi’s senatorial opponent, Linus Okorie.
Journalists from different media houses had gathered at the Magistrate Court 1 in Abakalilki to cover the court process but a woman identified as the clerk of the court announced that journalists should leave the court.
There was heavy police presence at the court premises as Mr Okorie was brought to court.
Some of his supporters were however allowed into the court.
Mr Okorie, the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South, was arrested on Sunday by Ebubeagu security outfit and later handed over to the police on Monday.
The police claimed he was arrested based on allegations of defamation of the governor, inciting violence and drug related offences.
But his party, the Labour Party, claimed it is a bid to whittle down his popularity ahead of the elections so as to enable his opponent and governor of the state, David Umahi, who is the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), to win the election.
Mr Okorie, was a two term member of the House of Representatives, where he represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal constituency between 2011 to 2019.
More details soon…
