BREAKING: Kalu To Remain In Prison Despite Supreme Court Judgement

A former Governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu will continue his incarceration at Kuje Prison despite a Supreme Court judgement nullifying his conviction by a federal high court.

The supreme Court last week Friday had voided the conviction of Kalu who was arraigned by the economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) for corruption and subsequent convicted by a federal high court.

But in a bizzare legal gymnastics, the Supreme Court held that the justices that presided over the case were, in the course of the litigation, elevated to the court of appeal, but only returned to deliver judgment in the case.

The apex court held that it was illegal, hence the judgement can’t stand.

In a bizzare twist of fate, it appears Kalu, who has been relishing the prospect of his freedom, will now have to continue his sentence as the management of Kuje correctional facility has refused to release him.

The supreme Court judgement, it was gathered, does not affect him because the apex Court did not issue any order for Kalu’s release because he did not file any application for such.

The judgement only covers the Appellant, Mr. Ude Jones Udeogu, who challenged the propriety of a Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Mohammed Idris to try him.

Also read: ‘My Belief In Nigeria Reaffirmed’, Says Orji Kalu On Supreme Court Verdict

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Correctional Service Mr. Jaafar Ahmed, has also refused to release Kalu because there was no any order from the Supreme Court, The Nation reports.

It was learnt Kalu may have to approach the Court of Appeal, where he has a pending matter, to ask for his release following the dismissal of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos by the Supreme Court.

The Nation, citing a copy of a judgment it obtained, said the Supreme Court clearly stated that the judgement relates only to the Appellant.