N5.6bn theft: EFCC arraigns former Abia governor, Orji Kalu (see photos)
– After years of stalling his trial, former Abia state governor, Orji Uzor Kalu was arraigned by the EFCC
– Kalu is accused of money laundering and corruption to the tune of N5.6billion
Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia state was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, May 16.
The charge against Kalu borders on conspiracy, money laundering and illegal diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.6billion
Kalu was arraigned over allegations of misappropriation of N5.6billion while he was governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.
The anti-graft agency also filed an amended 34-count criminal charge against the former governor.
READ ALSO: Former governor, Orji Kalu tryingto stall trial – EFCC
Kalu had been docked before the high court on July 27, 2007, on a 107-count charge of money laundering and diversion of public funds.
Kalu was arraigned by the EFCC on Monday
The trial judge, Justice Binta Murtala Nyako had granted him bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum.
However, for the past eight years, Kalu, through various interlocutory applications has frustrated moves by the anti-graft to open its case against him and his alleged accomplice, Udeh Jones Udeogu and his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited.
His trial could not commence for the past eight years as he tried stalling it at various courts.
Kalu has been trying to stop his trial but failed
READ ALSO: Ex-governor Orji Kalu slams governors who can’t pay salaries
For eight years Kalu’s trial could not commence because he challenged the criminal charges against him at various courts,
The EFCC filed an amended 34-count criminal charge against him
The former governor had approached the appeal court for an order to stop his trial, but the court declined to grant his request.
On March 18, the Supreme Court also dismissed an appeal to stop his trial which paved the way for his re-arraignment on April 11.
However, on that day, his arraignment was stalled.
The post N5.6bn theft: EFCC arraigns former Abia governor, Orji Kalu (see photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM (Nigerian newspapers).