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Tag: Kalu

  • Why we left Orji Kalu’s seat, position vacant till he returned from prison – Lawan

    Why we left Orji Kalu’s seat, position vacant till he returned from prison – Lawan

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday explained why the Senate refused to yield to pressure to declare Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s seat and position vacant during the period of his incarceration.

    Lawan told leaders of thought from Abia State that what Senate did by preserving Kalu’s seat and his position was not extra-ordinary but the right and just thing to do.

    The delegation of the leaders of thought were at the National Assembly in Abuja to appreciate the Senate and its leadership for showing their concerns for Kalu during his incarceration.

    Kalu was the Senate Chief Whip when a court in Lagos sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment in December 2019 for fraud committed while he was Abia State Governor between 1999 and 2007.

    Kalu spent six months in the Correctional Facility before he eventually regained his freedom and returned to the Senate following the Supreme Court’s judgement which nullified his conviction on grounds of lack of jurisdiction by the trial judge.

    Lawan told his guests that “there was no way anybody could convince us in the Senate that somebody should take the Abia North Seat because it wasn’t vacant.

    “He (Kalu) was on several appeals and until he exhausted all the opportunities available to him, that seat remained his seat.

    “Similarly the position of the Chief Whip, we didn’t even appoint an acting Chief Whip. The Deputy Chief Whip continued to play that role until he was released.

    “We came under pressure, of course. But we thought the right thing to do was to keep that seat, that position until he was able to get his judgement.

    “It would have been premature, unjust and unfair to declare his seat vacant or his position to be given away because he was in that situation.

    “So we didn’t do anything extra-ordinary really. We did what was right, what was just, what was necessary.”

    Looking at the bi-partisan composition of the group, the Senate President commended the leaders for the unity and understanding among them and their followers.

    “It has been a long time, I have not seen or heard the kind of unity, understanding and desire to move a state forward in a bi-partisan way.

    “Our people need us to give them leadership. They need us to give them good governance. They want to have better life and particularly in Abia state, you have a lot of business people. They would like to see their businesses grow and do well.

    “Once the leaders are united, it makes it much easier for the followership to remain united and supportive so that reaching the promise land can be quite easy,” Lawan said.

    The leader of the delegation, Senator Chris Adighije said the visit was to appreciate the Senate and its leadership for their concerns for the former Governor.

    “We want to thank the Senate. It’s something that the entire Abia State and Indeed the South East appreciate very much,” Ndighije said.

  • Orji Kalu still in prison as his co-convict gets warrant of release

    Orji Kalu still in prison as his co-convict gets warrant of release

    A warrant for the release former Director Finance and Account at the Abia Government House, Ude Udeogu, who was convicted alongside former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, has been issued.

    According to reports, the Supreme Court issued the warrant for release of Udeogu from Kuje prison, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    It was learnt he may be released any moment from now by the Correctional Service.

    But Kalu’s fate remains uncertain without a warrant of release for him.

    Recall the Nigeria Correctional Service has said it has not released Kalu, from the Kuje custodial facility because no warrant for his release from the Supreme Court has been received.

    The NCoS spokesman, Chuks Njoku, said this in reaction to reports that Kalu had been released from custody where he had been held for five months.

    Reports had indicated that the senator was released on Friday shortly after the Supreme Court voided his December conviction in a multi-billion naira corruption trial.

    The lawmaker was said to have moved to his residence in Asokoro, Abuja after he was discharged from custody by the NCoS.

    But the NCoS spokesman, Chuks Njoku, told newsmen yesterday that the service had not received the court judgment and the warrant for Kalu’s release from the custodial centre.

  • Just in: Why Orji Kalu remains in prison despite Supreme Court’s ruling

    Just in: Why Orji Kalu remains in prison despite Supreme Court’s ruling

    A former Governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu has remained in Kuje Prison because the judgement of the Supreme Court does not affect him.

    The Apex Court, it was learnt, did not issue any order for Kalu’s release because he did not file any application for such.

    The judgement only covers the Appellant, Mr. Ude Jones Udeogu, who challenged the propriety of a Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Mohammed Idris to try him.

    The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Correctional Service Mr. Jaafar Ahmed, has also refused to release Kalu because there was no any order from the Supreme Court.

    It was learnt Kalu may have to approach the Court of Appeal, where he has a pending matter, to ask for his release following the dismissal of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos by the Supreme Court.

    According to a copy of the judgement, the Supreme Court clearly stated that the judgement relates only to the Appellant.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court’s nullification of Orji Kalu’s conviction unfortunate, he’ll face immediate retrial – EFCC

    BREAKING: Supreme Court’s nullification of Orji Kalu’s conviction unfortunate, he’ll face immediate retrial – EFCC

    The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has said it was ready for fresh and immediate re-trial of the former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu.

    The Supreme Court has quashed the judgement that convicted and sentenced Kalu to 12- year imprisonment on the grounds that the constitution did not permit a judge elevated to a Higher Court to return to a Lower Court to conclude a part-heard case.

    Justice Mohammed Idris, who had been elevated to the Court of Appeal bench, had returned to the Federal High Court in Lagos to complete the case which started in 2007.

    EFCC, in a statement by Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the apex court’s verdict as unfortunate.

    According to the commission, the ruling was a “technical ambush against the trial of the former governor.”

    The statement reads: ” The attention of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to the judgment of the Supreme Court nullifying the trial of a former governor of Abia State, Orji 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.

    “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.”

  • Orji Kalu opens defence in N7.6bn fraud case

    Orji Kalu opens defence in N7.6bn fraud case

    A former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday opened his defence in an alleged N7.6 billion fraud trial involving him and two others before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
    Kalu is standing trial alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogu, and a company, Slok Nigeria Limited, on an amended 39-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N7.6bn.
    Kalu, who is also the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, allegedly committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005.
    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 11, 2018 through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, closed its cases after calling 19 witnesses.
    Rather than open his defence, Kalu filed a no-case submission, which was afterwards dismissed by the trial court on July 31, 2018.
    Dissatisfied with the decision, Kalu approached the Court of Appeal, to upturn the ruling of Justice Idris.
    However, on April 24, 2019 the Appellate Court in a lead judgement by Justice M.L. Garba, upheld the decision of the lower court. The Court of Appeal also dismissed appeals filed by Kalu’s co-defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to further hear the case, following the elevation of Justice Idris to the Court of Appeal.
    The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, thereafter, issued a fresh fiat to Justice Idris to conclude the case.
    At today’s sitting, Jacobs stated that the day’s proceeding was for the defence to open its case.
    Responding, Kalu’s lawyer, Awa Kalu, SAN, informed the court that he received a letter from the prosecution informing him of the resumption of the case.
    The defence counsel also added that he had informed the prosecution before the resumed sitting that he would not be available in court due to his involvement in some election petition matters.
    He further stated that he had to appear in court out of the respect he had for the court so as to explain his predicament in person.
    “The election petition matters are constrained by time as stipulated in the Constitution and the time for concluding election matters cannot be extended by any court,” Awa Kalu said.
    He also told the court that the second and third defendants, Udeogo and Slok Nigeria Limited were not represented in court for today’s proceedings.
    The defence counsel also told the court that he had to rush down to Lagos from Abuja yesterday without the case file due to the fact that his Secretary, whom he said was bereaved, could not prepare the case file.
    Kalu’s lawyer, therefore, asked the court for a short adjournment for the defence to open its case.
    While acknowledging the receipt of the letter written by Kalu’s counsel, Jacobs argued that the defence could still open its case.
    Justice Idris noted that there had been a prior notice to all the parties in the matter, stating that the hearing of the case should resume.
    The Judge also held that the absence of counsels to the second and third defendants could not be justified, and therefore, ordered Kalu to open his defence.
    Kalu, thereafter, took to the dock to open his defence.
    Led in evidence by his counsel, Kalu told the court his name and stated that he was a manufacturer of home goods until he resigned some weeks ago to become a Senator.
    He also told the court that he had pleaded “not guilty” to all the 39-count charges preferred against him by the EFCC and that he was aware that the trial was a joint trial involving Ude Udeogo and Slok Nigeria Limited.
    Kalu’s lawyer, at that point, re-applied for an adjournment of the case.
    The prosecution did not object to the prayer of the first defendant’s counsel for an adjournment.
    Consequently, Justice Idris adjourned the case to August 26, 2019 for “continuation of defence” and further held that “the proceedings will continue on a day-to-day basis till it is concluded.

  • How Mandela made Obasanjo drop third term presidential bid — Orji Kalu

    How Mandela made Obasanjo drop third term presidential bid — Orji Kalu

    Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Thursday revealed in details the key role played by late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, to pressurise former President Olusegun Obasanjo to drop his third term presidential agenda.
    According to the former governor, the late Mandela played a key role which saw Obasanjo drop the idea of amending the Nigerian Constitution to enable him contest for a third term.
    Senator Kalu said: “I recall my personal interactions with him (Mandela), especially during our national struggle to force President Olusegun Obasanjo to drop his plan to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and secure an extension of his tenure.
    “Disturbed by the details, Mandela placed a call to President Olusegun Obasanjo and told him in clear terms that whatever his plans were, it was neither desirable for Africa”, he said.
    “That intervention, proved strategic to the leadership question in Nigeria at the time, leading to elections in 2007.”
    Senator Kalu made the revelation while giving a speech on “The Mandela I Know”, at the 10th commemoration of “Nelson Mandela Day” in Abuja.
    The event, which was organised by the South African High Commission in Nigeria, held at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
    The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Roet, Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof Abdul Rasheed Na-Allah, and the Deputy Vice-chancellor, Prof C.B.I Alawa, were in all attendance at the event.
    In his speech, the former Abia governor described the late Mandela as an outstanding champion of human freedom and liberty.
    He said the late African leader was an anti-apartheid crusader who sacrificed the best years of his life to secure the emancipation of his people from the “degradation and humiliation of inferiority status.”
    Kalu who revealed that Mandela was his mentor, said he was tutored and shaped into a responsible, industrious and disciplined man by the late foremost African leader, “who set a challenging example to other African leaders by retiring after a single term as South Africa’s president.”
    The Abia born politician also revealed that the late Mandela introduced him to the leadership of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), “with whom I have maintained a very robust relationship.
    “Through him, I met with President Thabo Mbeki, who is now a dear friend and brother. I also met President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Secretary of ANC. And of course, I met President Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa, who is now tasked with the responsibility of leading the great vision that Mandela had for South Africa.”
    Recall that Senator Orji Kalu had few months ago undertook a trip to South Africa where he visited three ex-Presidents, and also took part in the ANC campaign launch which saw the party winning the last presidential poll.
    Recalling his withdrawal from the Senate Deputy Presidency race, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said he took the step following the decision of his party.
    Senator Kalu said: “I stood down because having learnt from Mandela the dictates of party supremacy, it would amount to a betrayal of my learning to go against the party’s consensus,” adding, “Mandela had once told me how he wanted Cyril to be his deputy, but the party leadership thought otherwise, a decision Mandela actually respected.”
    On Nigeria, the Forbes-rated billionaire said the country “will fare better if politicians, irrespective of their party affiliations, respect party supremacy.”
    “That way, we will be able to build a political culture that derives its powers from the party manifesto and programmes.”
    Kalu decried the rate at which African leaders hold on to power, instead of emulating Nelson Mandela, saying “Africa today does not seem to appreciate the meaning that he (Mandela) brought to life on the continent.”
    “Mandela opted for only a single term in office, he voluntarily opted out for a second tenure. Out of office, he became more powerful and significant as a global force than he was in office. With that, he demonstrated that one does not necessarily need an endless term of office to positively impact on his society or to remain relevant.”
    Kalu added: “Africans have suffered so much under visionless and oppressive leadership that the people are looking forward to another Mandela to give them hope for tomorrow.”

  • Alleged N7.2bn fraud: Court awaits fresh instructions to continue Kalu’s trial

    Alleged N7.2bn fraud: Court awaits fresh instructions to continue Kalu’s trial

    Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday said that the court would await further directives to proceed with the trial of a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, facing charges of N7.2 billion fraud.

    Kalu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress was alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Kalu together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd., for the alleged offences.

    On October 31, 2016, the EFCC preferred 34 charges, bordering on N3.2 billion fraud against the accused.

    The charges were, however, amended and increased to 39 counts.

    Kalu and the others had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Justice Idris, who has been sitting as a trial judge in the criminal charge against Kalu, has been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

    He had, however, been conducting the trial in the case, following a fiat, authorising him to continue with the trial.

    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 had 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 the trial.

    On Wednesday, the Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), appearing for the prosecution, informed the court that in spite of its order, the accused had refused to submit himself or his travelling documents to the EFCC.

    He argued that such 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.

    According to Jacobs, the court should order defence to call its witnesses, failing which the court is allowed by the provisions of the law, to close their case.

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

    The court, however, in its reaction, informed parties that although the case had been adjourned for the continuation of the trial, the fiat issued by the presiding judge of the appellate court expired at the end of November 2018.

    He said that on January 10, he had received fresh fiat in respect of some other matters before him, adding that the case in point was not mentioned.

    Idris said that for this reason, he had strong doubt if he should continue with proceedings, adding that it was important he acted with abundant caution.

    “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.

  • BREAKING: Court revokes Orji Kalu’s bail, ex-gov risks arrest

    Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, revoked the bail of a former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, following his failure to appear in court for trial as scheduled.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Kalu together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd on charges of N7.2billion fraud.

    EFCC had on October 31, 2016, preferred a 34-count charge bordering on N3.2 billion fraud against the accused.

    The charges were, however, subsequently amended to 39 counts.

    They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

    At the last adjourned date on November 5, Kalu was also absent for his trial and the defence counsel had informed the court that he was away for medical treatment in Germany.

    Justice Idris, who is sitting on a fiat to conclude the trial, had then adjourned the case until Monday for continuation of trial and ordered that Kalu returns to the country within seven days from November 5 to stand trial.

    The court had said: “In the light of the entirety of this case, and in the interest of justice, I am prepared to grant the first defendant a final adjournment in respect of this matter.”

    On Monday, Idris revoked Kalu’s bail following his failure to appear in court for trial as scheduled.

    The judge ordered that upon the return of Kalu from his alleged medical trip, he must submit himself to the EFCC, failing which an order will be made for his arrest.

    “I am constrained to revoke the bail granted to the first defendant; the first defendant is, however, permitted to continue with his medical treatment abroad, unharrased by law enforcement agencies.

    “Upon his return to the country, he must at the point of entry, surrender his international passport and other relevant travelling document to the EFCC; he shall submit himself to the EFCC within 24 hours of his return, failing which he shall be rearrested and detained by the EFCC.

    “Let me state that there is no doubt that the first defendant is entitled to and has a right to life, he has a right to seek medical treatment within and outside the shores of Nigeria; this right is further guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and People’s Right.

    “In enjoying this right, the first defendant has a duty to follow due process of law; in this case, the first defendant acted outside the purview of the law, and he is expected to be dealt with according to the law.

    “This court is a court of equity, but he who seeks equity must do equity; I find no reason why I should depart from the law, this court is an equal dispenser of justice,” the court held.

    The court adjourned the case until December 3.

    In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between August 2001 and October 2005.

    Kalu was alleged to have utilised his company to retain in the account of a First Inland bank, now FCMB, the sum of N200 million.

    The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government.

    In one of the counts, his company (Slok Nig Ltd) and one Emeka Abone, who is said to be at large, were also alleged to have retained in the company’s account the sum of N200 million, on behalf of the first accused.

    In counts one to 10, the accused were alleged to have retained about N2.5 billion in different accounts, which funds were said to belong to the Abia State Government.

    Cumulatively, in all the counts, the accused were alleged to have diverted over N7.2 billion from the Abia State government’s treasury during Kalu’s tenure as governor.

    The offences were said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005.

    It also contravened the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 1995 as amended by the Amendment Act No. 9 of 2002 and Section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

  • Alleged N7.65 fraud: Kalu’s Germany trip stalls trial

    Alleged N7.65 fraud: Kalu’s Germany trip stalls trial

    Hearing in the trial of a former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, for alleged N7.65billion fraud was stalled on Monday due to the absence of the ex-governor from court.

    Kalu’s lawyer, Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN), told Justice Mohammed Idris at the Federal High Court in Lagos that his client was away in Germany for surgery.

    He added that the ex-governor had been advised by his doctors to remain in Germany for some time to recuperate.

    The defence counsel said the prosecuting counsel for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was aware of the development and urged Justice Idris to further adjourn the case.

    But the EFCC prosecutor, Jacobs, said he was surprised at Kalu’s absence from court, adding that he did not know when the ex-governor obtained the court’s permission to travel out.

    Jacobs noted that having submitted his passport to the court as part of his bail conditions, Kalu must always apply to the court for the passport whenever he wished to travel.

    Describing the ex-governor’s absence from court as an attempt to frustrate the case, Jacobs urged Justice Idris to interpret Kalu’s absence to mean that he had jumped bail.

    “I am not aware when the 1st defendant wanted to travel. We only got to know that the 1st defendant travelled abroad for medical treatment through his media aide, one Kunle Oyewunmi.

    “Things must be done in accordance with the law. In my own view, what happened is that the 1st defendant has jumped bail. This is an attempt to further frustrate this trial because no application was made to the court to travel.

    “I urge Your Lordship to treat the absence of the 1st defendant as that he has jumped bail,” Jacobs said.

    Responding, however, the defence counsel urged Justice Idris to discountenance Jacob’s argument, saying as at when Kalu travelled out, the court had adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely).

    Ruling on the lawyers’ submissions, Justice Idris noted that it was true that the matter was adjourned sine die on Sept.27, but Kalu was on Nov. 2 served with a hearing notice that the case had been scheduled for Monday.

    The judge also noted that the court received a mail confirming Kalu’s treatment arrangement, but he said the defence counsel failed to attach any medical report to guide the court as to Kalu’s post-surgery treatment.

    Justice Idris said in the circumstance, he would, in the interest of justice, adjourn the case for the last time, stressing that Kalu must return from Germany within seven days and appear before the court.

    The judge ruled, “I have always stated that every citizen of this country is entitled to and has the right to seek medical treatment abroad.

    “This right is guaranteed by the constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is an inalienable right.

    “However, this right has exceptions; therefore, in exercising this right, due regard must be had for the law and due process.

    “Apart from the mail confirming the treatment arrangement of the 1st defendant, the defence counsel should have obtained a medical report on the condition of the 1st defendant post-surgery.

    “This would have properly guided the court in the proceedings of today.

    “However, in the light of the entirety of this case and in the interest of justice, I am prepared to grant to the 1st defendant a final adjournment in respect of this matter.

    “In the light of the provisions of the ACJA, I shall not adjourn for more than seven days from today. It is, therefore, hereby directed that the 1st defendant shall return to the country within seven days from today’s date for the hearing of this matter.” he said

    The court adjourned the case untill Nov. 12 for continuation of trial.

  • N7.6bn fraud: Court says Orji Kalu has a case to answer

    N7.6bn fraud: Court says Orji Kalu has a case to answer

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by a former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, in response to the N7.6bn fraud charges pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    Justice Mohammed Idris, in his ruling, said Kalu had some explanations to make particularly on certain documents tendered by the EFCC as exhibits in evidence against him.

    The same fate befell similar no-case submissions filed by Kalu’s co-defendants.

    The ex-governor is facing 39 counts alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited; and Ude Udeogu, who served under him as the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House.

    The EFCC first arraigned them before Justice Idris on October 31, 2016.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which the EFCC opened its case, calling 19 witnesses and tendering a load of exhibits.

    At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, however, the defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the EFCC failed to link them to any crime.

    They urged Justice Idris to dismiss the charges and set them free.

    The judge, however, disagreed with them in his Tuesday ruling, holding that they had explanations to make as to the fraud allegations pressed against them.

    The judge held, “The prosecution called 19 witnesses and tendered a number of exhibits which have been thoroughly examined. Going through the evidence of these witnesses, it appears to me that if taken as unchallenged and uncontroverted, some link might be established between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants and some of the alleged offences in the light of Exhibits B1-B18; in the light of Exhibit D34; in the light of Exhibits D51-D68; in the light of Exhibits A58-F93; in the light of Exhibit H; in the light of Exhibit J2; in the light of Exhibit L; in the light of Exhibits N1-N15; in the of Exhibits P33-P34; in the light of Exhibits Q1-Q30; in the light of Exhibits T, H and U.

    “I will stop there and I will say no more.… I am of the view that the defendants have some explanations to make in the light of the exhibits and the evidence so far led. Again, I will say no more. The no-case submission is dismissed.”

    The judge called on the defendants to open their defence, reminding the parties that he had September ending deadline to finish the case.

    Kalu’s lawyer, Mr Gordy Uche (SAN), however, pleaded with the judge for a six-week adjournment to enable Kalu to go for a surgical operation.

    “The first defendant has a medical appointment for surgery and the lead counsel in this matter had actually written a letter he wants us to bring to the attention of Your Lordship with respect to the surgery,” Uche said.

    He pleaded with the judge to adjourn the case till September 10, 2018.

    But the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), pleaded that the case be heard in the first week of September, bearing in mind that the judge had to conclude the case by the end of September.

    Uche, however, said it was not realistic, explaining that the six-week adjournment was to avoid a situation where the case would come up and Kalu would not be available.

    In a short ruling, Justice Idris said he was constrained to grant Uche’s request, thereby adjourning the case till September 10 for the defendants to open their defence.

    In one of the charges, the EFCC alleged that Kalu, who was Abia State governor between 1999 and 2007, “did procure Slok Nigeria Limited – a company solely owned by you and members of your family – to retain in its account, domiciled in the then Inland Bank Plc, Apapa branch, Lagos, an aggregate sum of N7,197,871,208.7 on your behalf.”