The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has stated its readiness to commence the re-trial of former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu.
A Supreme Court panel led by Justice Amina Augie has voided the conviction of Kalu, his company, Slok Nigeria Limited and a former Director of Finance and Account at the Abia state government, Mr Jones Udeogu stating that the trial judge lacked jurisdiction having been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity of the commission, EFCC considered the judgement as unfortunate, describing it as a technical ambush against the anti-graft agency.
The statement reads, “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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