By Oscar Okhifo
The Imo First Group (IFG) has dismissed as fake news reports claiming that a Senior Magistrate Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, over alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the group challenged those circulating the report to produce the purported court order, insisting that no such warrant had been issued.
IFG alleged that the report was first circulated on social media by Hon. Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, a media aide to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, before being published by other media organisations, including Arise TV.
According to the group, the report claimed that a Senior Magistrate Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant dated September 9, 2026, following a petition allegedly submitted by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Barr. Chukwuemeka Ibejiako, to the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 8, 2026.
The petition was reportedly connected to allegations involving the presentation of fake All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election results.
However, IFG disputed the existence of the purported warrant, describing the report as fabricated and demanding documentary evidence to substantiate the claim.
“We want to state categorically and unequivocally that no Senior Magistrate ordered or issued any bench warrant for the arrest of Ararume,” the statement said.
The group urged those claiming to possess the court order to make it available for public scrutiny.
“If you claim to have a court order, present same for the public to see,” it said.
IFG also questioned the chronology of events cited in the report, arguing that the dates raised doubts about its authenticity.
“This fabricated bench warrant contained 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 added.
The group further alleged that those behind the matter had sought an ex parte order but failed to obtain it.
“The magistrate bluntly refused to grant their ex parte and threatened to arrest them, yet they carried their falsehood about,” the statement said.
It accused those behind the report of using the allegations to settle political scores and discredit prominent indigenes of Imo State.
“What’s the problem with occupants of offices that never won free and fair elections trying to destroy reputable Imo sons who have won elections? We challenge anyone involved 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,” the statement added.
Media Responsibility Ahead of 2027 Elections
The controversy highlights the importance of verifying claims involving public figures, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although political groups and individuals have the right to make allegations and defend their interests, claims involving court orders, criminal allegations and arrest warrants require careful verification before publication.
Media organisations should independently establish the existence and contents of purported court orders through appropriate judicial sources rather than rely solely on social media posts or statements by politically interested parties.
Where claims cannot be independently verified, journalists should exercise caution and clearly distinguish allegations from established facts.
Publishing unverified claims that could damage reputations or mislead the public risks deepening political tensions at a time when responsible journalism is particularly important.
IFG maintained that anyone claiming that the court issued an arrest warrant against Ararume should produce the document for public scrutiny rather than rely on assertions the group described as politically motivated.