Gerald Irona, a former deputy governor of Imo State, has been remanded in prison by an Owerri Magistrate Court.
C.N Ezerioha, the Presiding Magistrate, after listening to the submissions of the Prosecution and Defence Counsels, ordered that Irona be remanded in Owerri Correctional Center.
The former Deputy governor’s counsel, S.I.Imo, had prayed the court to release Irona on bail on self recognition.
Sunday Ogbuji, the Lead Counsel, argued that among other charges brought against Irona, he also committed felony, which he argued, is not within the jurisdiction of the court.
He argued that only a High court could grant bail to Irona.
The Magistrate, acknowledged that she had no jurisdiction to hear the matter, and thus ruled that the former number two citizen of the State be remanded in prison on the basis she can’t grant him bail.
She further directed the Prosecution Counsel to forward all documents available to the Defence Counsel to enable them commence next legal action.
Irona is facing three count charges of treason and conversion of government properties to personal use.
The Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, Owerri, had on Wednesday arrested the former Deputy Governor at his Owerri residence.
The Police denied him bail, and later arraigned him in court a day later.
Irona’s political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, had accused the state government of witch hunt.
