The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says the Supreme courts Judgment that nullified the trial of a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and Jones Udeogu, a former Director of Finance and Account of Abia State Government and ordering their fresh trial at the lower court is Suspect.
According to the EFCC, 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 says from the facts laid before the appellate court which gave rise to Kalu’s conviction it is unfortunate the Supreme court is ordering a retrial.
“It is a technical ambush against the trial of the former governor,” the Commission stated, adding that it is prepared for a fresh and immediate trial of the case because its evidences against Kalu and others are overwhelming.
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According to the EFCC, the corruption charges against Kalu still subsist because the Supreme Court did not acquit him of them.
The Commission further states that its entire prosecutorial machinery would be launched in a fresh trial where justice will be served.
EFCC Boss Ibrahim Magu has been preoccupied grinding alleged corrupt officials in government and the private sectors of the country.
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