In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dealt a blow to the Federal Government’s attempt to retry the former governor of Abia and current senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, in the N7.6bn fraud case. The court rejected the government’s bid to revisit the case, adding a new chapter to the complex legal saga.
Historical Sentencing and Appeals:
Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court initially sentenced Kalu to 12 years in prison on December 5, 2019, for allegedly misappropriating public funds during his tenure. The case also saw the Director of Finance and Accounts for the Abia State Government House, Ude Udeogu, receiving a 10-year sentence. Dissatisfied with the Federal High Court’s judgment, Kalu and Udeogu appealed to challenge their convictions.
Supreme Court Nullification and Subsequent Legal Maneuvers:
The apex court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Ejembi Eko, nullified the conviction, citing Idris’s dual role as a Justice of the Court of Appeal during the judgment delivery. Kalu, leveraging this decision, obtained a restraining order against the EFCC at the Federal High Court. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, issuing the prohibition order, emphasized the absence of Kalu’s explicit mention in the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Dismissal by the Court of Appeal:
The latest chapter unfolded in the Court of Appeal as Justice Joseph Oyewole dismissed the government’s appeal on Wednesday. The judge cited the failure to produce proper records of the high court proceedings as a critical factor. Additionally, Justice Oyewole emphasized that the presented record was unreliable, lacking proper compilation, signing, and certification by an individual recognized by law.
Subscribe to Follow Global Trends for daily global news.To Advertise, send a mail to advertise@followglobaltrend.com
Credit:Betsy Ifechukwude