Regarding the Supreme Court’s nullification of the 12-year conviction of former Abia state governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, the EFCC has expressed disappointment, considering it a technical obstruction to his trial.
The anti-graft agency had brought allegations against Kalu and Ude Udeogo at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing them of diverting N7.6 billion of the Abia state government’s funds during Kalu’s time in office. Udeogo served as Kalu’s Director of Finance and Accounts during his tenure.
Kalu and Udeogo were convicted on December 5th, 2019, and sentenced to 12 and 10 years imprisonment, respectively.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, the EFCC released a statement asserting the continuation of corruption charges against Kalu and announcing the commencement of a new trial for the former governor and Udeogo.
The statement reads:
Orji Kalu: EFCC SET FOR FRESH, IMMEDIATE RE-TRIAL
The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken note of the Supreme Court’s ruling to nullify the trial of former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited, and Jones Udeogu, a former Director of Finance and Account of Abia State Government, ordering a fresh trial at the lower court.
The apex court justified its decision on the grounds that Justice Mohammed Idris, who convicted Kalu and others, had been elevated to the Court of Appeal before delivering the judgment, rendering it illegal.
The EFCC deems the apex court’s ruling unfortunate, representing a technical hindrance to the former governor’s trial. The Commission is ready for a new and immediate trial of the case, given the overwhelming evidence it possesses against Kalu and others.
The corruption charges against Kalu remain, as the Supreme Court did not acquit him of them. The entire prosecutorial machinery of the EFCC will be activated in a fresh trial, where justice is bound to be served in due course.