The Federal High court has adjourned hearing in the suit by a former Abia State Governor, Senate Orji Kalu seeking to stop his retrial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to 20th April 2021.
The adjournment was as a result on the fact that EFCC which is listed as the first defendant in the suit was not properly served with the originating summons.
Counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs who announced his appearance for the Commission on protest, drew the attention of the court to the fact that the originating summons was served on his Chambers instead of the EFCC, when the matter was mentioned.
He told Justice Inyang Ekwo that he was yet to be briefed by the EFCC as it’s counsel and it would amount to professional misconduct to accept processes on the matter.
Responding, Awa Kalu who appeared for Senator Kalu said he has no problem serving the EFCC with the originating summons, the same with counsel to the 3rd respondent, Chris Uche.
Justice Ekwo accordingly adjourned the case to April 20 for hearing and directed the applicant to serve the EFCC within seven days, after observing that both the first and third defendants were yet to file their reply briefs in the suit.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia governor and current Chief Whip of the Senate is asking the Court to prohibit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from retrying him, having been tried, convicted and sentenced on the same charge by the court.