Orji Kalu: EFCC opposes bail application of convicted senator
- The EFCC opposes bail application filled by convicted former governor of Abia state and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu
- Rotimi Jacobs, the counsel to the anti-graft commission, argues that bail application is a right of an accused but not a right available to a convict
- Jacobs also notes that the medical report which Kalu is using for his bail application is not recent as it was obtained over a year ago
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to decline the bail application of convicted former governor of Abia state and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu.
The anti-graft agency made the statement on Tuesday, December 17, when opposing a post-conviction bail application filed by Orji Kalu, before Justice Muhammed Liman, PR Nigeria reports.
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Speaking through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, the EFCC opposed Kalu’s application on the grounds that a bail application is a right of an accused but not a right available to a convict.
"Although bail is generally a right of an accused as guaranteed by the Constitution, it is not a right available to a convict because the presumption of innocence had crystallized into guilt and conviction,” Rotimi Jacobs said.
The counsel to the EFCC also stated that the medical report which Kalu was using for his bail application was not recent as it was obtained over a year ago.
In addition, Jacobs argued that Kalu’s request to be released on bail so as to seek traditional medicine is not tenable, noting that the medical facilities at the Ikoyi custodial centre are capable of handling Kalu’s condition.
The EFCC also questioned why Kalu was saying that he wants to be released on health grounds; while in another instance saying that as a senator, he needs to be released on bail so as to carry out his official functions.
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After the arguments, Justice Liman adjourned the case till December 23, 2019, for ruling on the application.
Meanwhile, EFCC has revealed why it marked the properties of jailed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for seizure, on Saturday, December 14.
EFCC said in a brief statement it released on Sunday, December 15 morning that it took the action to prevent the properties from dissipating (wasting away) since they now belong to the federal government.
The anti-graft agency also said its actions were in line with the court judgement that found Kalu guilty of diverting billions of Abia state funds and also ordered forfeiture of his assets to the federal government.
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