A political pressure group on the aegis of ‘The Imo First Group (IFG)’ has debunked a purported order by a Magistrate court for the arrest of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, over alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery.
IFG in a statement on Saturday, described the sponsored and planted story as “a ruse and fake news” and therefore challenged those peddling the fake news to make the court order public.
It noted that the fabricated and concocted story was first posted on social media by Hon. Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, a media aide to Governor Hope Uzodimma, before it was picked up by other media outfits, including Arise TV.
IFG further said that those behind the report claimed that a Senior Magistrate Court sitting in Abuja issued a bench warrant dated September 9, 2026, following a petition written by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ibejiako, to the Police and DSS on October 8, 2026, over alleged presentation of fake APC primary results.
The Group pointedly debunked the existence of any such order, saying; “We want to state categorically and unequivocally that no Senior Magistrate ordered or issued any bench warrant for the arrest of Araraume”.
IFG challenged anyone in possession of the purported court order to publish it for it for the public to see and verify.
According to IFG; “This fabricated bench warrant contain in the report is filled with inconsistencies, the bench warrant was dated September 9, 2026, while the REC’s petition that supposedly triggered it was dated October 8, 2026, with case number CR/M/084/2026”.
The statement further stated that the purveyors and harbinger of the fake news tried to trick the Magistrate via an exparte order, but was rebuked.
In the words of IFG; “The magistrate bluntly refused to grant their exparte and threatened to arrest them, yet they carried their falsehood about.
“What is the problem of occupants of office that never won free and fair elections and tried to destroy reputable Imo sons that have won elections.
“We challenge anyone in this macabre ‘surugede’ 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.
