The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has adjourned the criminal trial
of Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, and others to
October 22, for parties to present their closing addresses.
The EFCC is prosecuting Kalu, who is also representing Abia North
Senatorial district at the National Assembly alongside Ude Udeogu, his
Commissioner for Finance and a company, Slok Nigeria Limited, owned by
the former governor.
Justice Mohammed Idris, the presiding judge, adjourned following a long
examination and cross examination of Udeogu and an expert witness,
Manuel Ahunanya.
Ahunanya gave expert opinion on some of the exhibit entered into
evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
During cross-examination, Rotimi Jacobs, the prosecuting counsel,
attempted to discredit Ahunanya as an expert witness.
The witness, who was second person to help Udeogu’ defense, gave
testimony on the requirement of paying a bank draft and cheque into
another bank account.
He mentioned that the recipient as stated on the bank draft must appear
as same in the bank statement when such instruction is paid into the
recipient’s account.
He also stated that the account of the recipient must have the same name
as it appears on the bank draft.
Trying to discredit the witness, Jacobs, queried the witness on the
tasks he carried out when he was an employee of ABD bank.
He also queried if the witness is competent enough to give testimony on
the practices of the Inland Revenue Bank, where the bank draft in
question emanated from, having not worked in the bank.
Following the cross examination, KC Nwofor (SAN), asked for an
adjournment to allow him provide his witness, who was unavailable.
However, the presiding judge denied the request, stating constraint of
time.
Subsequently, the parties agreed on time to present their closing
remarks to the court.
The judge agreed that the defense counsel take 21 days to prepare their
closing remarks and another 21 days to the prosecution to do same.
The defense would get another 7 days to prepare their reply after the
prosecution’s closing remarks.
The case was consequently adjourned to October 22 for both parties to
file their closing remarks.
Kalu and the others are facing a 39-count amended charge bordering on
conspiracy and money laundering.