Crime

Supreme Court Voids Ex-Gov. Orji Kalu Conviction, 12 Years Jail Term, Orders Fresh Trial of the Defendant

A seven-man panel of the apex court also set aside the judgment which convicted Ude Udeogu, a former Director of Finance and Account at the Abia State Government House.

The Supreme Court gave the judgement on Friday, more than one year after both men were convicted of corruption allegations levelled against them by the Federal Government.

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos had sentenced Senator Kalu to 12 years imprisonment in his judgement delivered on April 24, 2019.

He had also sentenced Mr Udeogu to 10 years imprisonment on the same day.

Displeased with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Kalu and Udeogu filed an appeal to challenge their sentencing at the Supreme Court.

The apex court, in a unanimous verdict on the appeal delivered by Justice Ejembi Eko, declared that the conviction of the appellants was null and void.

Justice Eko explained that the declaration was on the ground that Justice Mohammed Idris was already a Justice of the Court of Appeal, as at the time he delivered the judgment sentencing the appellants.

He held that a Justice of the Court of Appeal cannot operate as a judge of the Federal High Court.

The apex court, therefore, ordered the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case for trial.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
towncrierng

Recent Posts

GOV. FUBARA AND THE WOMAN BEHIND THE VEIL (1)

  By Caleb fubara It was on October 30, 2023 that Rivers people trooped out…

14 hours ago

Politicians supporting Fubara for personal political ambitions – Magnus Abe

  Former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, has accused politicians supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara…

4 days ago

Oshiomhole lauds PDP for giving Wike to Tinubu’s govt

  Senator Adams Oshiomhole has praised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his…

4 days ago

Rivers Former CP Redeploy, Promoted

  ...List Achievements Former Rivers State, Commissioner of Police, now Assistant Inspector General, AIG Mustapha…

4 days ago

President Tinubu Told Me He Has Asked BAO To Prepare For Second Term – Ayo Fayose

  Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given…

4 days ago

2027: No merger deal with PDP, NNPP yet – Peter Obi

  The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, says…

5 days ago