Joseph Bakare
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); is poised to commence the re-trial of former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu immediately.
This was contained in a statement by its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, on Friday, May 8; while reacting to a judgment by the Supreme Court which it described the Supreme Court judgement as “quite unfortunate.”
The apex court had upturned Kalu’s conviction and ordered a fresh trial; adding that the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris; was not competent to hear the case since he had been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
The EFCC statement reads in part, “The apex court based its verdict on the grounds that Justice Mohammed Idris, who convicted Kalu and others had been elevated to the Court of Appeal before the judgment and returned to the lower court to deliver the judgment which it considered as illegal.
“The EFCC considers the judgment of the apex court as quite unfortunate. It is a technical ambush against the trial of the former governor. The commission is prepared for a fresh and immediate trial of the case because its evidence against Kalu and others is overwhelming.
“These corruption charges against Kalu still subsist because the Supreme Court did not acquit him of them.
“The entire prosecutorial machinery of the EFCC would be launched in a fresh trial where justice is bound to be served in due course.”
Kalu was sentenced to 12 years in prison on December 5, 2019. However, the Supreme Court on May 8, 2020, nullified the verdict, saying that; “the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction.”
After the ruling which overturned the conviction, Kalu addressed the media at the courthouse.
“By today’s judgment, the Apex court of our dear country affirmed my right to a fair hearing and equal protection of the law.”
Kalu further expressed his appreciation to everyone who supported him through his travails.
“I want to use this moment to thank my family, my colleagues, my friends, my supporters, the people of Abia State, and all Nigerians for their unflinching and unwavering confidence and trust in me; through the very testing period.”