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Halt endless fraud trial of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, CSOs tell EFCC
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A coalition under the aegis of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption have called on the Federal Government to stop unending trial of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that has been long concluded by the courts.
This position is contained in a statement issued and signed by the lead coordinator of the CSOs, Dr Gabriel Nwambu stating that:
“The recent developments surrounding the N6.7 billion fraud case involving former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, SLOK, and Jones Udeogu have exposed serious deficiencies in our criminal justice system.
” The utilization of technicalities and procedural loopholes to evade justice in this matter is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of accountability and fairness.
On the 8th of May, 2020, the Supreme Court nullified the conviction by Justice Idris, holding that the Constitution does not permit a judge elevated to a higher Court to return to a lower Court to conclude a part-heard case.
Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment of the panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour (retd.), also declared as unconstitutional the provision of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (retd), relied on to authorise Justice Idris to return from the Court of Appeal to the High Court to conclude the trial.
“The decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss the EFCC’s appeal based on insufficient records highlights how technicalities are being exploited to thwart the judicial process. Instead of addressing the substantive issues of fraud and corruption, the focus has shifted to procedural irregularities, allowing the accused to evade accountability and delay justice for the people of Abia State.
“Let’s not forget that Sen. Orji Uzor has been tried, found guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction and convicted accordingly consistent with the extant laws as provided by the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the interpretation of legal provisions, such as the constitutional limitations on judges returning to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case, has been used to create confusion and delay in the adjudication of this case. The insistence on strict compliance with procedural requirements, to the detriment of addressing the actual allegations of financial misconduct and massive fraud, is a disservice to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.
“It is unacceptable that technicalities are being prioritized over the merits of the matter, especially in a case as serious as an alleged N7.6 billion fraud. The manipulation of legal loopholes to avoid facing the substantive allegations undermines the integrity of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the ability of our institutions to hold the powerful accountable.
“Consequently, our coalition hereby call on all stakeholders in the legal system to prioritize the fair and expeditious adjudication of cases involving financial crimes and corruption. The focus should be on addressing the substantive issues at hand and ensuring that justice is served without being derailed by technicalities and procedural obstacles.
It is time to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those accused of financial misconduct are held accountable, regardless of the legal maneuvers they may employ to evade justice.
See full statement below:
Olanipekun Olukoyede is the fifth Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on the 18th of October,2023. Since his assumption in office, Nigerians can testify that the willingness and determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat the hydra- headed monster of corruption which has held the Nigerian nation on he knees fo several decades is no longer in doubt. The determination to ensure that every alleged corrupt Nigerian citizen irrespective of creed, religion or office held is made to face the law is a clear testament to this fact. The pronouncement of the Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice on the current case of the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaha Bello is clear and unambiguous on the resolve of President Tinubu’s administration to deal with corruption squarely. We thank President Tinubu on this resolve.
However, the recent developments surrounding the N6.7 billion fraud case involving former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, SLOK, and Jones Udeogu have exposed serious deficiencies in our criminal justice system. The utilization of technicalities and procedural loopholes to evade justice in this matter is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of accountability and fairness.
On the 8th of May, 2020, the Supreme Court nullified the conviction by Justice Idris, holding that the Constitution does not permit a judge elevated to a higher Court to return to a lower Court to conclude a part-heard case.
Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment of the panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour (retd.), also declared as unconstitutional the provision of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (retd), relied on to authorise Justice Idris to return from the Court of Appeal to the High Court to conclude the trial.
The decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss the EFCC’s appeal based on insufficient records highlights how technicalities are being exploited to thwart the judicial process. Instead of addressing the substantive issues of fraud and corruption, the focus has shifted to procedural irregularities, allowing the accused to evade accountability and delay justice for the people of Abia State.
Let’s not forget that Sen. Orji Uzor has been tried, found guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction and convicted accordingly consistent with the extant laws as provided by the Constitution of Nigeria.
Furthermore, the interpretation of legal provisions, such as the constitutional limitations on judges returning to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case, has been used to create confusion and delay in the adjudication of this case. The insistence on strict compliance with procedural requirements, to the detriment of addressing the actual allegations of financial misconduct and massive fraud, is a disservice to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.
It is unacceptable that technicalities are being prioritized over the merits of the matter, especially in a case as serious as an alleged N7.6 billion fraud. The manipulation of legal loopholes to avoid facing the substantive allegations undermines the integrity of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the ability of our institutions to hold the powerful accountable.
Consequently, our coalition here by call on all stakeholders in the legal system to prioritize the fair and expeditious adjudication of cases involving financial crimes and corruption. The focus should be on addressing the substantive issues at hand and ensuring that justice is served without being derailed by technicalities and procedural obstacles.
It is time to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those accused of financial misconduct are held accountable, regardless of the legal maneuvers they may employ to evade justice.
Thank you.
Signed:
Dr. NWAMBU Gabriel
Director General,
Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption.
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President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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