I need directive to proceed on Orji Kalu’s N7.2 billion fraud, says presiding Judge

Admin l Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019

IKOYI, Lagos – A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos sitting in Ikoyi Lagos today told lawyers, their clients and visitors that he needs directive to proceed further on the trial of former governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

Justice Mohammed Idris, now at Court of Appeal, but in Lagos for the trial said he could not proceed. “I should not proceed further, otherwise, I will be acting without authority. So, in the circumstance, I am of the view that further proceedings shouldn’t go on until I receive further instructions,” he said. The court added that as soon as such notice was received, hearing notices would be served on counsel.

Urju Uzor Kalu was formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) but few months ago defected to the rulling All Progressive Congress(APC), fueling speculations that his trial might be suspended.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Orji Uzor Kalu committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005 when he was in the (PDP).

Kalu is being prosecuted together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd.

At the last adjourned date on November 12, 2018, Kalu was absent from trial, after being absent on a previous adjourned date of November 5, 2018. Although the defence counsel had informed the court that he was away for medical treatment in Germany, the court revoked his bail and ordered that at the point of his entry into the country, he must submit himself and all relevant travelling documents to the EFCC, failing which he would be arrested. The court had then adjourned the case until January 23, for the continuation of trial.

However, during the trial today prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that in spite of its order, the accused had refused to submit himself or his travelling documents to the EFCC and that Kalu’s attitude constituted a clear disregard for the court, adding that in the circumstance, he would urge the court to give effect to the provisions of Section 352(4) of the ACJA and continue with the trial of the accused even in his absence.

Responding, counsel to the accused, Mr. Awa Kalu (SAN), expressed his displeasure with the submissions of the prosecution, noting that such arguments should be put in an affidavit for the defence to reply.