The Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) says it will release former Governor of Abia, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu within the next two days.
“We’ll release the senator hopefully within the next two days,” NCS Public Relations Officer, Augustine Njoku, told newsmen on Wednesday.
This is coming following yesterday’s order of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordering the immediate release of the Senate Chief Whip.
The NCS said it is only waiting for the court order to be communicated to it formally in form of warrant, to effect the release of the Senator.
According to the PRO, once that is done and acknowledged, all other protocols and procedures would be followed for Kalu’s release.
Justice Mohammed Liman, who ordered Kalu’s release, had set aside the 12-year jail term imposed on him last December 5 by Justice Mohammed Idris.
He also quashed the conviction of Senator Orji Kalu’s firm, Slok Nigeria Ltd.
Justice Idris had ordered the winding up of Slok Nigeria Ltd and ordered that its assets be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the release of Sen. Orji Kalu, while quashing the conviction on the ground that the judge who handled the case, Justice Mohammed Idris, had no jurisdiction to do so.
The senator’s counsel, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), yesterday prayed Justice Mohammed Liman to order Kalu’s release based on the apex court’s earlier pronouncement.
Fagbemi said: “Our application is brought pursuant to Section 159 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
“This is fallout of the Supreme Court decision delivered on the 8th of May.”
Ruling, Justice Liman granted Kalu’s application as prayed, saying it had merit.
- Source: Disciples of Democracy
