Supreme Court verdict freed co-convict not Orji Kalu

The recent judgement of the Supreme Court wherein it nullified the conviction of the Federal High Court did not favour Orji Kalu, a former governor of Abia State who is currently serving his jail term.

The verdict, this medium learnt rather favoured Ude Udeogu, a former director of finance, who was arraigned alongside the former governor and his investment, Slok Nigeria Limited.

The trio were convicted of stealing public funds while at the helm of affairs when Kalu was governor of the South-East state.

TODAY POLITICS erroneously reported that the 12-year jail term handed to the former governor had been quashed by the apex court but findings reveals that the judgement only favoured Udeogu, whom alone, filed the appeal at the apex court.

Mr Kalu, now a Senator and Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, also has his appeal at the apex court pending but the judgement is expected to go same way. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting them of siphoning over 7bn during their reign at the Abia helm of affairs.

A release warrant for the former Abia director of finance has been issued on Tuesday while his then principal remains at Kuje Prison Abuja.