Senator Orji Uzor Kalu,The Former Abia State Governor and the current Senator representing Abia North Senatorial district have been released from jail after the supreme court nullified his conviction of N7 billion fraud today.
Kalu was freed from the Nigerian correctional facility in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday morning, two sources familiar with the development said.
He has now moved to his residence off Queen Amina Street within the perimeter of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, sources said. The sources spoke under anonymity because they were close to Orji and did not get immediate permission from him to disclose his release to the press.
Kalu’s release came moments after the Supreme Court voided his conviction in December 2019 in a multi-billion naira corruption trial.
Mr Kalu had been accused of pilfering and mismanaging funds belonging to Abia State during his days as governor between 1999 and 2007. He pleaded not guilty and appealed his conviction by the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.
On Friday morning, the Supreme Court deemed Kalu’s conviction inappropriate and ordered a retrial of the case, according to multiple media reports out of the court.
It is yet to know if the embattled senator will return to the red chamber immediately.
