Justice Ogunbanjo-Giwa while delivering her ruling in February 2020 held that ICPC had established a prima facie against Kawu, Onifade and Pinnacle Communications Limited, and ruled that they have a case to answer.
The decision was taken on Monday after the 48-hour ultimatum given to Okorocha to apologise to Imo people, expired. Okorocha had been asked to apologise for unsealing the Royal Palm Spring Hotel and Apartment linked to his wife, which the government had already sealed.
He was convicted on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 after pleading "guilty" to one count amended charge that borders on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products, contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (17) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17 of the Reverse Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007.
The physically distraught farmer appealed to the government, private and religious organisations, as well as public spirited individuals to assist him, saying that the move would enable him to come back to life.