The apex court on Friday led by Justice Amina Augie nullified Kalu’s December 2019 trial and ordered a fresh trial.
Reacting to the judgment, Adegboruwa in a statement said the order of a fresh trial will affect more cases and incur so much to be done on the part of lawyers.
READ ALSO: ‘I’ve learnt lessons’ — Orji Kalu speaks after supreme court verdict
The statement read: “There are several cases to be affected by this judgment now. You can imagine the time, money and energy spent in this case.
“It is the same government that is prohibiting stay of proceedings that will have to conduct the trial de novo, giving lawyers on both sides so much job to do.”
The human rights activist, however, commended the Supreme Court for the speedy hearing of the appeal.
According to him, even though there are consequences to nullifying judgements, It is good to fast track the hearing of cases involving serious constitutional matters, so that applications for a stay in criminal matters will no longer be a headache for the prosecution.
“The accelerated hearing of the appeal is commendable, given that many cases are to be affected thereby.
“When lawyers agree to hear a case expeditiously, Justice will be granted by the court in the manner that society desires.
“When very serious constitutional issues are raised in a matter, it may be good for the trial court to exercise some reasonable caution to await the outcome of the appeal, so long as the appellant is not by that means seeking to prolong the case.
“There has to be a reasonable balance, between the right to a fair hearing of a defendant, in respect of very serious appeals, and the power of the prosecution to have the cause heard expeditiously.
“To abolish the stay of proceedings via legislation and taking away the discretion of the court and the right to a fair hearing of a defendant, will keep working injustice for very serious cases.
He further commended his colleagues; Chiefs Awa Kalu, SAN, Mike Ozekhome, SAN for the defence and Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN for the prosecution.
DAILY POST recalls that Kalu was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment over N7.16 billion fraud by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on December 5.
READ ALSO: Orji Uzor Kalu's Release, A Technical Ambush - EFCC
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