The Chairman of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds, Justice Florence Doruoha-Igwe (Rtd), has taken decisive action by issuing a bench warrant for the immediate past Accountant-General of Abia State, Mr Kelechi Imeoria.
The judicial panel, tasked with the responsibility of recovering government assets and funds, disclosed that the bench warrant was issued due to Mr Imeoria’s failure to produce a black Toyota jeep purportedly given to him by the former governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
The alleged transaction took place through the protocol unit at the government house in Umuahia, where the Toyota Jeep was handed over to Mr Imeoria. The panel, under Justice Doruoha-Igwe, has directed that Mr Imeoria be apprehended and presented alongside the mentioned vehicle for inspection on February 9.
Justice Doruoha-Igwe expressed her dissatisfaction, noting that neither Mr Imeoria nor his counsel, Mrs Esther Wosu, provided any valid reason or exemption letter for their absence before the panel. The last appearance of Mr Imeoria before the panel was on January 26, 2024.
In a recent development, the panel had previously issued a Bench Warrant to Anthony Agbazuere for his non-appearance. Justice Florence attributed Agbazuere’s warrant to his failure to testify regarding a Toyota Hilux Land Cruiser allegedly in his possession post his term in office.
The judicial panel continues its efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the recovery of government properties and funds, emphasizing the importance of cooperation from all parties involved in the process.
