Breaking: Supreme Court nullifies Orji Uzor Kalu’s conviction

Supreme Court on Friday nullified the conviction of former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu and quashed the 12-year term imposed on him.

Senator Kalu was convicted of N7.65 billion 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 7-man panel led by Justice Amina Augie was unanimous in their decision to nullify the earlier sentence.

The court ruled that Justice Mohammed Idris that convicted Kalu, having already being elevated to the appeal court lacked the power to sentence Kalu.

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.