The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the Federal Government’s bid to initiate a new prosecution against former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, in the alleged ₦7.6 billion fraud and money laundering case.
Justice Joseph Oyewole ruled that the government’s appeal lacked competency and reliability, citing the absence of proper records from the High Court.
Justice Oyewole emphasized that the record of appeal had not been compiled, signed, or certified by any individual recognized by the law.
Furthermore, the crucial information regarding the person responsible for compiling, signing, and certifying the record was not adequately disclosed, as mandated by legal requirements.
Previously, a Federal High Court sentenced Kalu, now a senator representing Abia North, to 12 years in prison on December 5, 2019, for embezzling significant amounts from the Abia State Treasury during his tenure as governor.
However, the Supreme Court nullified the High Court’s judgment, citing the elevated status of Justice Mohammed Idris, who delivered the verdict.
Justice Ejembi Ekwo, delivering the Supreme Court judgment, clarified that Justice Mohammed Idris couldn’t serve as both a Federal High Judge and a Justice of the Court of Appeal simultaneously.
Consequently, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was instructed to assign the case to a different judge for a fresh trial.
In response, Kalu secured a court order from the Federal High Court, barring the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from initiating new prosecutions against him.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, who issued the prohibition order, noted that Orji Uzor Kalu’s name was not explicitly mentioned in the Supreme Court’s judgment.
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