The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has announced its intention to arraign Orji Kalu in the fresh trial that was ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgement on Friday.
The conviction and sentence of the ex-governor by the trial court was upturned by the Supreme Court on Friday, holding that the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, lacked competence to hear Kalu’s case.
However, the EFCC disclosed in a statement that it will commence fresh trial against the ex-governor.
The statement read 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 evidences against Kalu and others are overwhelming.
“The 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.”
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