The past five months in prison have been quite a profound period for me –Orji Kalu

After spending five months in prison, Former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu has regained his freedom as the Supreme Court on Friday nullified his conviction.

The serving senator and former governor , Orji Kalu said that he can’t wait to rejoin his colleagues in the Senate.

Justice Mohammed Idris had in December 2019 sentenced the ex-governor to 12 years imprisonment for the fraud he allegedly perpetrated during his tenure as Abia State governor. 

But in a unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour on Friday, the apex court nullified the entire trial on the grounds 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.

In a statement, the former Abia State governor said his stay in prison had taught him invaluable lessons about the country’s justice system. 

He said, “Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria gave a judgment in my favour, quashing the conviction which the lower court had entered against me. By today’s judgment, the Apex court of our dear country affirmed my right to fair hearing and equal protection of the law.

“The past five months have been quite a profound period for me. As challenging as that period has been, it has provided me an opportunity to learn invaluable lessons about our country, our peoples, our justice system and the true meaning of love. I mean love for family, love for our country and love for humanity.

“Events of the past five months gave me an added perspective on matters of justice and injustice in Nigeria. I look forward to rejoining my colleagues in the Senate as soon as possible.” 

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