One of the newest members of the APC in the South-east was reported to have exhibited unusual confidence in court over a case of N3.2billions misappropriation of state funds.
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday fixed March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 for trial of former Abia governor Orji Uzor Kalu charged with money laundering, Punch reports.
According to controversial online news platform Sahara Reporters, the accused smiled in confidence in court with the assurance that his trial will be a sham after securing federal might by joining the ruling All Progressives Congress.
As seen in some pictures taken outside the court room, the influential politician and business mogul waved to his supporters chanting his name.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on October 31, preferred a 34-count money laundering against Kalu and his former commissioner for finance, Ude Udeogo.
However, both accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the Presiding Judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, stood down the suit till 1 p.m for trial to allow a decongestion of the court room.
Meanwhile, when the case was called the prosecution was unavailable, and after waiting for a length of time, the court was compelled to adjourn the case to a further date.
After adjournment, the Prosecutor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, walked in and craved the court’s indulgence for his delay as he was attending to other matters.
After series of submissions, the court ruled that further trial is fixed for March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
In the instant charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005. Kalu was alleged to have utilised his company to retain in the account of a First Inland Bank, now FCMB, the sum of N200m.
The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government.
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