Former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu leaves prison custody and finally returns to his home.
The Senate Chief Whip was released on Wednesday from the Kuje Correctional Centre at about 7:00pm. He was seen leaving the premises with a lady identified as his wife.
Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered his release after setting aside the 12-year conviction slammed on him by Justice Muhammed Idris.
Orji Uzor Kalu was convicted following a N7.65 billion fraud for which he was found guilty in December 2019.
He was convicted alongside the former Abia State Government House Director of Finance, Jones Udeogu and Kalu’ firm Slok Nigeria Limited.
Following an appeal by Udeogu, the Supreme Court quashed the judgment on the basis that Justice Muhammed Idris who passed the verdict no longer had the jurisdiction since he had been elected to the Court of Appeal.
A fresh trial of the case was was therefore ordered. As a result, Kalu petitioned the court to set him free from custody.
Kalu was elected to serve as senator representing the Abia North Senatorial District under the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)in the 2019 General Elections. He defeated the incumbent, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
Nigerians, especially people from his geopolitical zone have expressed their opinions about Orji Uzor Kalu ‘s release. Most of the opinions bother around the fact that he be held accountable for the funds for which he was accused.
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