Former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday was seen asking prison warders, “where are you taking us to?”, begging the prison warders not to handcuff him in public.
When newsmen attempted to interview him, he gave a suggestion that he has a role to play in the national politics of 2023.
Kalu, who is the Senate’s Chief Whip smiled at reporters and said, ‘2023, here we come’ as he was led out of the courtroom by Correctional Services officials after his sentencing.
The former governor, who appeared shaken, said, “Where are you taking us to now? Please don’t handcuff me. I will follow you.”
Read Also: ‘Live Within Your Means’, Aregbesola Tells Nigerians
A short while earlier, Kalu wiped tears from his eyes with a white handkerchief as Justice Mohammed Idris began reading an abridged version of the 228-page judgment.
Read Also: Why Tinubu Can’t Be President – APC Chieftain
Kalu’s associate, Udeogu, was sentenced to 10 years in prison while the company which was used in perpetrating the fraud, Slok Limited, was ordered to be wound up by Justice Idris Mohammed.
The case began in 2007, 12 years ago, when they were first arraigned for the offences, but before a different judge.
In an amended 39 counts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved that they conspired and divert N7.65bn from the coffers of the Abia State.
Donate to Precision
