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Orji Uzor Kalu Laments

orji-uzor-kaluEx-Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State is in pains. He is crying out and accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of plotting to convict him at all cost. In a letter by his Counsel, Amobi Nzelu to EFCC boss, Mr. Ibrahim Magu: “There is no justification legally, morally or otherwise for the said transfer if not to secure conviction at all cost and put him into avoidable expenses of moving his defence team to Lagos whenever the case comes up.”

“It is also worthy to note that before the said transfer, politicians in Abia State and its environs had predicted at various fora that this matter will be transferred to Lagos where conviction will be secured at all cost.”

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“Our clients alongside others were arraigned before a Federal High Court, Abuja in 2007. Following rulings which did not go down well with our client, he appealed alongside others up to the Supreme Court via Court of Appeal. The matter was remitted back to the Federal High Court in 2016 by the Supreme Court for trial. The matter was assigned by the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to Hon. Justice Anuli Chikere. At the last adjourned date, plea was taken and matter adjourned to the 6, 7 and 8 of December 2016 of definite hearing.”

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“Both parties departed the court with a view to come back and commence trial on the agreed dates. Surprisingly and behind the back of our client and his defence team, your Commission applied to the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the case to be transferred to Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court.”

“It is evidently clear that your Commission went into deep slumber and suddenly woke up to shop for forum convenience. What must have justified this sudden transfer is not far-fetched. Your commission went for a shopping bonanza and arrived at the residence of ‘forum convenience’, hence this request for the transfer to Lagos.”