N2.8bn fraud: Kalu’s trial for 25 Nov

By Ise-Oluwa Ige
A Federal High Court in Abuja, Wednesday, fixed 25 November for further mention in the trial of former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu.

He is facing trial alongside two others for alleged diversion of public funds totalling N2.8 billion during his eight-year tenure.

But he had consistently denied the allegation and challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  to prove it.

He said his trial was political and that he wanted immediate trial.

The trial judge, Justice Adamu Bello, fixed the date for mention in the case after ruling in an oral application by the accused persons’ lawyers, Prof essor Awa Kalu, SAN, and Sony Okorie Hagler.

Specifically, Awa Kalu, on behalf of the former governor, had asked the court to adjourn the matter until his client’s appeal pending before the Court of Appeal, Abuja, is determined.

Kalu is challenging the jurisdiction of the high court to handle the trial at the appellate court.

Similarly, counsel to the second and third accused persons, Sony Okorie Hagler, prayed the court to adjourn the matter sine dinepending the hearing and determination of his clients’ appeal before the appellate court in Abuja.