The judgement followed a criminal complaint filed by the APC in the state alleging that Mr Ogah forged the party’s direct primary result sheet “with intent that it may be acted on as genuine”, despite not participating in the party’s governorship primary held on 26 May.

The plaintiff submitted that Mr Ogah’s “falsification” was detrimental to the party and Ikechi Emenike, whom the party recognises as its “authentic governorship flag bearer,”

The offence, the APC argued, is in contravention of section 465 of the Criminal Code (as it applies in Abia) and punishable under section 467 of the code.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, the magistrate, Ngozi Nwangwa, held that the defendant “is guilty as charged”.

“I’m convinced that the defendant has no defence,” the magistrate said.

“I hereby commit Dr Uche Ogah for the offence as charged,” she added.

Mr Ogah, the defendant, was not present in the court during proceeding.

But the magistrate ordered security agencies to arrest him wherever he may be and hold him in any correctional facility until the day he would be brought to court for sentencing.