x

Lawan Leads Senate Delegation On Solidarity Visit To Kalu After Release From Kuje

Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Thursday led a delegation on solidarity visit to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, following the Chief Whip’s release from Kuje correctional facility.

Senator Kalu was recently released from Kuje following the orders of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Kalu had been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment after he was initially found guilty of conspiring and diverting N7.65bn from the Abia State coffers, during his time as governor.

The two-time governor and two others were found guilty of the N7.65billion fraud, in an amended 39 counts which was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, after spending a few months behind bars, the lawmaker was set free by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Justice Mohammed Liman ordered Senator Kalu’s release on the 2nd of June 2020, after listening to an application filed by the former governor.

Senator Kalu, had urged the court to set aside his conviction on December 5, 2019, by Justice Mohammed Idris.

He explained that this became necessary since the Supreme Court, in its verdict delivered on May 8, 2020, held that Justice Idris gave the judgment without jurisdiction.

Justice Liman had on May 20 fixed Tuesday for the hearing of the application filed by Senator Kalu after the suit was assigned to him.

At the hearing of the application, Counsel to Senator Kalu, Lateef Fagbemi, asked Justice Liman to order the release of the former governor following the pronouncement of the Supreme Court.

According to him, the application was made pursuant to Section 159 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

On his part, Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs, did not oppose the application.

He noted that the case had dragged for over 13 years and it was better for the trial to proceed immediately so that parties would not lose more time.

The EFCC counsel also asked the court to ensure that the order of the Supreme Court for trial to start afresh be complied with, so that all parties could come before the court for a fresh arraignment and trial of the defendants.

In a summary judgment, Justice Liman held that Orji Kalu’s application seeking his freedom was meritorious.

He also ordered the EFCC to file its processes for a fresh arraignment of the defendants after which the date for trial would be communicated to all parties in the case.

Below are some photos from the solidarity visit as led by the Senate President.

Hot this week

CSOs To Tinubu: Hold DAPPMAN, Labour Unions Responsible For Breakdown Of Law, Order

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON),...

Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

By Ambassador Yu DunhaiThe 80th session of the United Nations...

20 Die, Several Missing in Kogi Boat Accident

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaAt least 20 people have died...

CSOs Hail Court Order Stopping PENGASSAN’s Strike

…say parties must respect the rule of lawA coalition...

Analysis: Why the 2026 Hajj Fare Should Be N6.8 Million

By Ibrahim MuhammadThe National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)...

UIO Urges FG to Enforce Safety Standards in Inland Waterways Transportation

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO) has...

Coalition Praises Tinubu’s Reforms, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Role in National Transformation

By Israel Adamu, JosA coalition of civil rights organizations...

Tinubu Approves 100Km Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Through Edo State

Umahi praises Gov. Okpebholo, contractor CBC for infrastructure effortsBy...

North Central Development Commission Pledges Transparency in ₦140bn Budget as NASS Reviews Estimates

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North Central Development Commission (NCDC)...

Zulum Approves Hospital, Water Facilities, Security Measures for Violence-Hit Kirawa Community

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaBorno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara...

Senator Lalong Chairs UNIJOS Alumni Lecture, Calls for Safeguards in Justice Delivery in Digital Age

Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District...

Amnesty International Urges FG to Cut Political Spending, Prioritize Economic Diversification

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaAmnesty International has called on the...

Kogi Government, FG Empower 8,600 Households with Cash Transfer Programme

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Government, in partnership...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img