By Our Reporter
Following the Supreme court nullification of former Abia state governor, Orji Uzor Kalu’s conviction, and an order for fresh trial, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it is ready to commence the trial of former Governor immediately.
The EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made this known in a statement on Friday, while reacting to a judgment by the apex Court.
Recall, the Supreme court had upturned Kalu’s conviction and ordered a fresh trial, stressing that the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, was not competent to hear Kanu’s case since he had been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
According to the EFCC, “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.”
