Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos has informed parties that he has been authorised by fiat to conclude the alleged fraud trial of Senator Orji Kalu.
Kalu has been accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of N7.2billion fraud.
Also included in the charge are Mr Kalu’s former commissioner for finance, Jones Udeogu; and his company, Slok Nigeria Ltd, on an amended 39 count charge of fraud-related offences.
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, had first been arraigned on October 31, 2016 on 34-count charges bordering on alleged N3.2 billion fraud.
The charges were amended and increased to 39 counts.
Justice Idris had presided over trial in the suit but was subsequently elevated to the Court of Appeal.
The judge was, despite his elevation, issued a fiat to continue Kalu’s trial but the fiat expired in November 2018.
President of the Appeal Court on July 8 issued a fresh fiat for Justice Idris to return and conclude the trial.
Kalu began his evidence on Monday. The case was later adjourned until August 26 for continuation of trial.
The judge said the trial would proceed on daily basis until the case ends.
Kalu was alleged to have used his company to retain in the account of a First Inland bank, now FCMB, the sum of N200 million.
The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government.
