Tag Archives: Orji Kalu

EFCC witness can testify in Orji Kalu’s trial – Court

Posted on by
1

A Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday ruled that the United Bank for Africa (UBA) member of staff, who is a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is competent to testify in the suit filed against the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

The ruling of the trial judge, Mohammed Idris, followed an objection raised by the defence team on the competence of a top UBA member of staff to give evidence in the trial as a witness.

The defence team, led by Mike Ozekhome (SAN), had argued that the witness was not listed as one of the witnesses by the EFCC.However, the court agreed that the witness was not listed and therefore ordered the EFCC to file an additional proof-of-evidence that will include the name of all witnesses and summary of their statements.

After the ruling, the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to allow him insert the name of the witness he intends to call in the matter on the ground that the witness came from Abia State, and that it may not be easy for him to bring her back to Lagos.

He said: “I appeal to the court and the counsel to allow me use my hand to insert the name of the witness in the additional proof-of-evidence. She came all the way from Abia State and some counsel came from Abuja too.”

But Ozekhome urged the court not to grant the prosecutor’s application, saying: “The prayer is aimed at upturning the ruling of the court.”Justice Idris, after listening to both parties, restated that Section 379 (1) (a) of ACJA is mandatory because it was introduced through legislation and is meant to protect the right of the litigant, the defendant and the public.He, thereafter, adjourned the matter to April 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2017 for continuation of trial.

 

Source: The Guardian

BREAKING: Court rules against former Abia governor Orji Kalu again

Posted on by
16

A federal court in Lagos has ruled that documents tendered by a prosecution witness in the trial of former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu, and others are admissible.

The defence lawyers had objected to the document, tendered by Onkvah Ovenevoh, a staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, on the grounds that it was stamped and signed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and not the bank.

The defence had earlier objected to Mr. Ovenevoh giving evidence in the trial, but their objection was turned down by the judge on Tuesday.

“I agree that the written document by Fidelity Bank is an original document,” Mr. Idris said in his ruling on Wednesday morning.

“This document is admissible since it is an original document and needs no certification by the EFCC

“I hold that once the letter dated October 13th, 2006, has been validly accepted, the documents attacked goes with it. The letter of October 13th, 2006, and its attachment are hereby admitted as a whole in evidence and marked as exhibit A1.”

 

Source: Premium Times

Abia Senatorial Rerun : APGA Candidate Writes Kalu On Peaceful Election

Posted on by
Reply

Chief David Onuoha-Bourdex, the APGA candidate in the Abia North Senatorial rerun has written to an opponent, Dr. Orji Kalu of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) on peaceful polls.

 
In the letter addressed to Kalu, a former governor of the state, Onuoha-Bourdex underscored the need for all parties to the rerun to play the game according to rules.

 
The letter dated Feb. 5 and copies made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, the APGA candidate said that the peace of the state should be the primary concerns of candidates in the rerun.

 

“We must desist from practices that could cause confusion, undermine transparency or precipitate crisis in the senatorial zone. Candidates should exercise caution and show less desperation in the senatorial election.

The era of winning elections by hook or crook is gone and as leaders, we should endeavour to leave good examples for the younger generation.

We have to remember that these young ones are watching us and we have to do only those things that would encourage them to toe the path of moral rectitude, honesty and good conscience,’’ he said.

 
The APGA candidate frowned at the development where the logo of an opposition party was allegedly superimposed on his campaign posters.

 
He also dispelled the rumour making the round that he was disqualified and had stepped down from the rerun.

 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rerun will hold in less than three weeks as ordered by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division.

 

 

(NAN)