The suit filed by former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu seeking to stop his retrial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on alleged money laundering charges will be heard on April 20, 2021.
The matter slated for Tuesday could not hold due as the EFCC which is listed as the first defendant in the suit was not properly served with the originating summons.
Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs told the court that the originating summons was served on his Chambers instead of the EFCC and he has not been briefed by the commission as its counsel which would amount to professional misconduct to accept processes on the matter.
But Kalu’s counsel, Awa Kalu said he has no problem serving the EFCC with the originating summons.
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Both Chris Uche and George Ukeagbu who appeared for third and second defendants however said they were properly served.
However, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case to April 20 for hearing and directed the applicant to serve the EFCC within seven days.
The court had on February 8, 2021, granted leave to Senator Kalu to challenge his retrial by the EFCC on the same charges upon which he was sentenced and convicted by granting an order order to put on hold the planned re-arraignment in the alleged N7.1billion money laundering charge until the resolution of the legal questions raised against his retrial.
Editor-Oloyede Oworu
