N5bn fraud; EFCC fix may 6 for Orji Kalu re-arraignment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fixed May 16 for the re-arraignment of former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on money
laundering charges. Justice Anwuli Chikere of an Abuja Federal High Court fixed the date yesterday after granting leave to the EFCC to bring the charges and the proof of evidence.

Kalu was in 2007 arraigned on a 96- count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds valued at N5.6 billion during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007 alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Ltd and Jones Udeogo.

Following Kalu’s appeal against the trial at the Supreme Court, the apex court on March 18 dismissed the objection and ordered him to face the trial and referred the case back to the High Court. At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe applied for adjournment to enable the prosecution “take some steps” to bring the fresh charges. Defence counsel, Awa Kalu (SAN) and Solo Akuma (SAN) did not oppose the application.