Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday fixed September 20 for judgment in the suit by a former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu, seeking to stop his retrial over alleged N1.7 billion fraud.
Following the parties’ adoption of their processes, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter tentatively to September 20 for judgment.
Earlier, Kalu’s counsel, Awa Kalu SAN, told the court that his client had already been tried, convicted and imprisoned.
The counsel, who relied on Section 36(9) of the Constitution, argued that it would amount to double jeopardy for ex-governor Kalu to be tried the second time.
He, therefore, prayed the court to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from going ahead with the trial.
But EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit.
Jacobs argued that the Supreme Court had nullified the judgment that led to the release of the former governor and also ordered the retrial of Udeh Jones.
EFCC argued that since Kalu benefitted from the Supreme Court’s order, he should also bear the burden of the order.
The court adjourned to September 20 for judgment, stating that it was only a tentative date as the judgment could come up earlier if the judgment is ready.
The judge also stated that parties will receive hearing notice if the date changes.
Shortly after the adjournment of the suit, EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was observed discussing with the anti-graft agency’s legal team at the court premises.