A former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, Monday, failed in his bid
to stop a prosecution witness, Christiana O., a manager with the United
Bank of Africa (UBA) Umuaka branch, Umuahia, Abia State, from giving
further evidence in a criminal charge of N3.2 billion brought against him
by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice
Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
At the last sitting, Kalu, though his lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN,
had raised an objection to the witness giving further testimony on the
grounds of an alleged error in the additional proof of evidence filed by
the prosecution.
However, during today’s hearing, Justice Idris said that granting the
prayer of the defense would amount to injustice on the part of the
prosecution, since PW2 had already started giving her evidence in the
case.
The judge also held that the signatory to the additional proof of evidence
had complied with the provisions of professional conduct.
Consequently, PW2, while being led in in evidence by the prosecution
counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, gave a blow-by-blow account of some bank
drafts allegedly issued at Government House, Umuahia during the
administration of the former governor.
The bank drafts were tendered and admitted in evidence as exhibits B1 to B33.
In his testimony, PW2 told the court that the sum of N25 million and
another N15 million were paid into the account of one M. A. Udoh on April
7, 2005.
She further revealed that Udoh allegedly collected the money the same day.
“Other drafts for N15 million and N26 million were issued in favor of R.K
Madu on August 2, 2005.
“He also withdrew the money the same day from Inland Bank Plc.,” she added.
However, while under cross-examination by Goddy Uche, SAN, counsel to the
first defendant, the witness stated that she did not see the name or
picture of Kalu in the mandate card.
“Kalu did not come to me to open or process any of the bank drafts,” she
told the court.
The case was adjourned to April 11, 2017 for continuation of trial.