The court has set aside December 23, 2019 to rule on the bail application filed by former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Igbere TV reports.
This followed an appeal filed by the Senate Chief Whip after his conviction to 12 years imprisonment by a federal high court in Lagos on offences bordering on money laundering.
While Kalu was sentenced to a term of 12 years imprisonment for the offence, Udeogo was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, with the court ordering that Slok Nigeria Ltd be wound up and its assets forfeited to Federal Government.
When the case came up today in court, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) announced appearance for prosecution (EFCC), while Messrs Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Awa Kalu (SAN) appeared for Kalu.
Meanwhile, Messrs L.U Agu and David Idang held briefs on behalf of second and third defence counsel.
Fagbemi then informed the court of a bail application filed on behalf of the first convict, seeking to be released on bail pending Appeal.
He told the court that his application was premised on 23 grounds and supported by an affidavit of 38 paragraphs, adding that after receiving the counter affidavit of prosecution.
He had filed a 34 paragraph further affidavit with one exhibit attached.
Fagbemi also drew the court’s attention to a Notice of Appeal against the conviction of Kalu, and relied on the provisions of sections 241 of the Constitution in urging the court to grant the applicant bail pending Appeal.
“If there is a right of appeal, then there is a corresponding right of bail pending appeal,” he said.
Citing the case of Okitipupa as well as sections 6 of the Constitution, Fagbemi argued that being a court of record, it has the powers to entertain such applications since post-judgment jurisdiction are anchored on section 6 of the Constitution.
In arguing the application for bail, he mainly relied on the Ill health of the first convict, as well as the need for him to return to the floor of the National Assembly to carry out his service to the nation.
He, therefore, urged the court to grant the application as sought.
After entertaining arguments from the prosecuting counsel, the court adjourned the case until December 23 for ruling.
