Awa Kalu, lawyer to the first defendant, Orji Kalu, in a N7.6 billion money laundering case, failed to appear on Monday before the Federal High Court in Lagos for continuation of defense, Igbere TV reports.

Mr Kalu, through the counsel to the third defendant, A. T. Ufor, told the court that Kalu took ill on Sunday and could not make it to the court for continuation of defense.

Igbere TV gathers that Kalu prayed for an adjournment till Tuesday to enable him recover.

The prosecuting counsel, Adeniyi Adebisi, informed the court he had no objection to the prayer made by Mr Ufor.

Counsel to the second defendant, Emmanuel Utegbu, also informed the court he had no objections to the prayer.

The case was subsequently adjourned till Tuesday for continuation of defense.

Kalu is being accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of N7.2 billion fraud.

Also included in the charge are Kalu’s former commissioner for finance, Jones Udeogu; and his company, Slok Nigeria Ltd, on an amended 39 count charge of fraud-related offences.

Igbere TV reports that Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, had first been arraigned on October 31, 2016, on 34-count charges bordering on alleged N3.2 billion fraud.

The charges were amended and increased to 39 counts.

Justice Mohammed Idris had on July 22 informed parties that he had been authorised by fiat to conclude Kalu’s alleged fraud trial.

http://igberetvnews.com/935263/orji-kalus-efcc-trial-stalled-as-lawyer-misses-hearing/

Lalasticlala Mynd44 Dominique