Abia born business man and politician Dr. Iroakazi Ephraim who was in 2011 convicted of corruption by the Umuahia High court , presided by Hon. Justice Onuoha A.K. Ogwe , has been discharged and acquitted by the Owerri Division of Court of Appeal.

In a landmark judgment delivered on the 14th day of February, 2023 by Hon. Justice Rita N Pemu and concurred by Hon. Justices O. A Adefope-Okojie and Ibrahim W. Jauro , Dr Iroakazi Ephraim was discharged and acquitted thus “Upon careful consideration of the submission of both counsel on this appeal as herein before in this judgement. And after a dispassionate review of the evidence led before the lower court, I am convinced that from the entire gamut of the evidence before the court the offences charged against the Appellant could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the two issues nominated for determination are resolved in favour of the appellant and against the Respondent. I find the appeal to be meritorious and same is hereby allowed accordingly. The conviction of the Appellant is hereby set aside. The appellant is hereby discharged and acquitted.”

It would be recalled that the ICPC had in 2010 in suit No. HU/778C/2010 slammed a 10 count charge bordering on corruption, conspiracy, gratification, disobedience to lawful order etc, on Dr. Iroakazi Ephraim, Managing Director of Volmek Industries Ltd contracted to supply 20 fairly used vehicles to Umuahia South Local Government at the Price of N60m.

The Trial which lasted for 5years was resolved by the Umuahia High Court in favour of ICPC and the accused sentenced to 2 Years imprisonment in each of the count with an option of N2m fine.

Dr Iroakazi Ephraim was dissatisfied with the judgment and subsequently approached the court of Appeal through His Counsel A. C Okoroafor Esq. who got the conviction quashed.