Kalu seeks bail to see herbalist

Convicted former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu, on Tuesday prayed the Federal High Court in Lagos to grant him bail, pending the hearing of an appeal against his conviction.

Kalu, who is serving a 12-year imprisonment for N7.65billion fraud and money laundering, hinged his request on two grounds: ill health and desire to return to the Senate.

He said the court had the power to grant his request.

Kalu told Justice Mohammad Liman that he was battling serious health challenges, which required him to seek the services of his “herbalist.”

The Senate Chief Whip and senator representing Abia North District, claimed that the medical facilities in the Custodial Centre where he had spent 13 days cannot handle his ailment..

Justice Mohammad Idris of the FHC in Lagos on December 5 convicted Kalu, a Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House during Kalu’s tenure, Udeh Udeogu, and Kalu’s firm, Slok Nigeria Ltd on each of the 39 counts.

Kalu was sentenced to 133 years imprisonment and Udeogu, 56 years. Justice Idris ordered that Slok be wound up and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

The sentences run concurrently,meaning Kalu will only spend a maximum of 12 years in jail.