Orji Kalu Seeks Bail Over Health Condition, Says His Constituency Will Suffer If He’s Kept In Prison

Convicted Senator and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Tuesday, filed a post-conviction bail application.

KanyiDaily had reported that a Federal High Court in Lagos, convicted Orji Uzor Kalu and sentenced him to a maximum of 12 years imprisonment for N7.65bn fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Kalu together with a former Commissioner for Finance in Abia, Jones Udeogo, and Kalu’s company, Slok Nig. Ltd.

Kalu, through his counsel filed an application for bail pending the hearing of an appeal suit challenging his conviction.

The senator said in an application on Tuesday that he is battling serious health challenges that the medical facilities in the prison cannot handle.

He also informed the court of his role as senator representing Abia North senatorial district, saying the interests of his constituents would be in jeopardy if he was kept behind bars.

According to him, the bail would enable him to attend to his failing health as well return to the National Assembly to carry out service to the nation.

However, the EFCC council argued that bail is for accused persons on the presumption of being innocent, but since the former Governor has been convicted, he can no longer enjoy such privilege.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Liman, adjourned till 23rd, December 2019 for ruling on the bail application.