Following the failure of ex Abia state Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Orji Uzor Kalu to appear in court today (Monday), the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered for revocation of the bail it granted a the ex Governor, igbere tv reports.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Kalu together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo and a Company, Slok Nigeria Ltd on charges of N7.2 billion alleged fraud.
Kalu
EFCC had on Oct. 31, 2016, preferred a 34-count charge, bordering on N3.2 billion fraud against the accused.
The charges were, however, subsequently amended to 39 counts.
They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.
At the last adjourned date on Nov. 5, Kalu was also absent for his trial and defence counsel had informed the court that he was away for medical treatment in Germany.
Justice Idris, who is sitting on a fiat to conclude the trial, had then adjourned the case until Monday for the continuation of trial and ordered that Kalu returns to the country within seven days from Nov. 5 to stand trial.
On Monday, Idris, revoked Kalu’s bail, following his failure to appear in court for trial as scheduled.
The judge ordered that upon a return of Kalu from his alleged medical trip, he must submit himself to the EFCC, failing which an order will be made for his arrest.
“I am constrained to revoke the bail granted to the first defendant; the first defendant is, however, permitted to continue with his medical treatment abroad, unharassed by law enforcement agencies.
“Upon his return to the country, he must at the point of entry, surrender his international passport and other relevant travelling documents to the EFCC; he shall submit himself to the EFCC within 24 hours of his return, failing which he shall be rearrested and detained by the EFCC.
“Let me state that there is no doubt that the first defendant is entitled to and has a right to life, he has a right to seek medical treatment within and outside the shores of Nigeria; this right is further guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and People’s Right.
“In enjoying this right, the first defendant has a duty to follow due process of law; in this case, the first defendant acted outside the purview of the law, and he is expected to be dealt with according to the law.
“This court is a court of equity, but he who seeks equity must do equity; I find no reason why I should depart from the law, this court is an equal dispenser of justice, ” the court held.
The court adjourned the case until Dec 3.
Orji Kalu was rushed to a German Hospital a fourth night ago after an emergency and has reportedly undergone a major operation requiring close supervision for extended period.
Before the health issues, he has always appeared in court whenever his presence was needed.
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