Orji Uzor Kalu regains freedom as Supreme Court nullifies his conviction

The Supreme Court Nigeria has on Friday nullified the conviction of former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

 Senator Kalu was convicted of N7.65billion fraud perpetuated when he was Abia State governor between 1999 and 2007. He was convicted alongside his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and his former Abia State director of finance, Ude Udeogu.

However, the apex court in its judgment declared that the judgement delivered is set aside

The court ruled that Justice Mohammed Idris, who convicted Kalu, lacked the power to sentence the former governor.

Kalu had also argued same by challenging the jurisdiction of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court chaired by Justice Idris to sentence him.

Kalu argued that the court of appeal Judge who delivered the judgement at the Federal High Court to convict him lacked the power to do so.
 
Despite the objections raised by Senator kalu’s counsels, the appeal court judge proceeded with the case at the high Court and sentenced Senator Kalu.