The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, prohibited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and any other agency from retrying former Abia State Governor Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu over alleged N7.1 billion fraud.
Our correspondents in various states and cities in Nigeria are reporting series of wild jubilation in the streets as news broke out on Kalu’s victory against the EFCC.
From Abia to Lagos, Abuja to Borno, Enugu to Kaduna the activities are same: people streaming to the streets to celebrate what they call “Justice for democracy and fulfillment of God’s plan” Those who could not join in the streets gather in small groups to discuss the good news of the day and it’s consequence to 2023 politics.
Alhaji Issa Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the jubilants in Maiduguri hailed Justice Inyang Ekwo for standing on the path of justice and promoting ingredients of democracy. He said the judgment has renewed a fresh hope in the judicial system and hailed Kalu for jumping what he referred to as “2023 hurdle set for him”
“We the people of Maiduguri like uprightness, courage and sincerity and we are grateful to the Judge for his courage on standing firm in what is right. We are also happy that Senator Orji Kalu has jumped the biggest hurdle set for him against 2023. It has also proven he is unstoppable and we will continue to stand with him to get the crown he deserves” Alhaji Ibrahim said.
In Aba, Pastor Chris Okorie said he is not surprised on the judgment considering what God once told him about Orji Kalu. He said God allowed Kalu to pass the entire judicial process because of the job he is being prepared for. He said the coast is clearer for Kalu adding that the jubilation is not just for the court victory but the great leadership they all experienced during Kalu’s time as Governor.
In Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, it is the same jubilation as people who had glued to their radio sets and television waiting for the announcement of the ruling of the Federal High Court, erupted in joy to the streets when it eventually came in favour of Kalu.
Watch one of the jubilation video below.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo who gave the order while delivering judgment in the application filed by Kalu seeking an order of court prohibiting the Federal Government through the EFCC from retrying him on a charge for which he had already been tried and convicted said
“An order is hereby made prohibiting the Federal Government through the EFCC, her agents, officers, servants, other agents and any other person or bodies deriving athouriry from the Federal Government from retrying the applicant (Kalu) on charge no. FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007 FRN vs Kalu and two others on or any other charge based on the same facts, the said applicant having been tried, convicted and sentenced by the judgment of this court dated Dec. 5, 2019 by Justice M.B Idris.”
Justice Ekwo held that since Kalu was not mentioned in the judgment of the Supreme Court, which voided his earlier conviction and sentencing and ordered a retrial, the judgment did not apply to him.
More details , videos and photos to flow in as they become available
