Justice Muhammed Idris on Thursday while delivering the verdict of the 12-year long trial of former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu, warned that evil acts will no longer go unpunished.
The serving senator was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing public funds while in office, while his Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House, Udeh Udeogu, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
A third defendant, Mr Kalu’s company, Slok Nigeria Limited, was ordered to be wound up and its assets forfeited to the Nigerian government.
Delivering his judgment yesterday, Justice Idris found the defendants guilty on all counts.
According to him, “the case was conclusively investigated, as the prosecution conducted thorough investigations.
“No gaps were left unfilled; this is the acceptable practice.
“The first defendant failed in his obligations under the law.
“He acted contrary to his codes of conduct and will be dealt with accordingly.
“No evil deed will go unpunished.
Mr Kalu’s prosecution started 12 years ago, in 2007 after he left office as governor.
The defendants were eventually faced with an amended 39-count charge for conspiring and diverting N7.65 billion from the coffers of the state.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the EFCC, thereby leading to their full trial.
