Asaba — AN Asaba high court, Wednesday, restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting the immediate past Governor of the state, Chief James Onanife Ibori over alleged N44 billion fraud.

The order followed an exparte motion filed before the presiding judge, Justice I.N. Buba, by counsel to ex-Governor Ibori, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN.

Ruling on the ex-parte motion, the judge stated: "Upon this motion exparte dated and filed on April 12, 2010 praying this court for the following: an order of interim injunction restraining the 1, 2, 3, and 4 respondents by themselves or through their officers, agents, privies and assigns from arresting, harassing, intimidating or attempting to arrest, harass and or intimidate the applicants in any manner whatsoever and howsoever pending the hearing and determination of the applications substantive motion on notice."

Respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Inspector General of Police and the Director, State Security Services, SSS.

Justice Buba ordered that "Motion on Notice dated April 12, 2010 is hereby directed to be served on all the respondents" adding, that " the Motion on Notice shall be taken on Monday, April 19, 2010.

EFCC had on Tuesday declared Chief James Ibori wanted over alleged money laundering.