* Kalu

The two grounds on which Orji Kalu sought bail, namely on health and political grounds has been dismissed by Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court,  Lagos.  Kalu had applied for bail pending determination of his appeal against his 12 years fraud conviction.

In his ruling, Justice Liman argued  that Kalu failed to prove exceptional circumstances that would warrant granting bail pending the determination of his appeal. According to the judge,  there was no evidence to prove that Kalu was suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension, and that they were contagious.

The  judge further  ruled that Mr Kalu’s absence at the Senate will no doubt be missed, but maintained that his constituents should have known they were taking a risk of taking a potentially uncertain candidate, when they voted him to represent them as a federal lawmaker.

The former governor, elected senator in 2019 is currently serving a 12 year jail term handed down on him, upon conviction for fraud and money laundering. He was convicted earlier in the month, of N7.1bn fraud and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, which he has appealed against.

He has been in prison since the day of his conviction, he had argued that he had serious health challenges that the medical facilities in the prison cannot handle.

He further maintained  that as the Chief Whip of the Senate and the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, the interest of his constituents would be in jeopardy if he was kept behind bars.

But  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC opposed the application.