EFCC Re Arraigns Ex Abia State Governor

A former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has bee re- arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

He is been arraigned on an amended 39 count charges bordering on Fraud.

Kalu is a top chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC. He is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

According to reports, Kalu is being prosecuted alongside a former Commissioner of Finance in when he was governor, Ude Udeogo and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd said to be owned by the former Governor.

The News of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the anti graft agency had on October 31, 2016 preferred 34 count charges including a N3.2 billion fraud charge.

The duo had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail.

18 witnesses were called by the EFCC and they tendered a plethora of evidence before the court.

When the matter was called up on July 16, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court of a second amended charge, asking the court to order the accused to take pleas.

Kalu’s team was said to have opposed the amended charges on the basis that it was not done in accordance with the provisions of the law. The team comprise Mr. Awa Kalu (SAN), Chief Solo Akuma (SAN) and Mr. K Nwofo (SAN)

In a ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that the prosecution could amend the charge. He had given an interpretation of the provisions of sections 216 and 217 of the Administration Criminal Justice Act

He adjourned the matter to July 25