Former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, over N7.65billion fraud by a Federal High court sitting in Lagos, while being led out of the court by the Correctional Service officers on Thursday begged not be handcuffed in public.
Justice Idris Mohammed sentenced the ex-governor alongside his associate, Udeh Jones Udeogu, a former Director of Finance in Abia State Government House, who was handed 10 years imprisonment.
Justice Idris held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved that the convicts conspired and divert N7.65bn from the coffers of the Abia State.
The Senate’s Chief Whip’s emotion betrayed him despite his efforts to hide his devastation with a smile at reporters, saying, “Where are you taking us to? Where are you taking us to now? Please don’t handcuff me,” amid tears, he was seen wiping with handkerchief.
Two unidentified ladies, who ostensibly were in court to give the disgraced ex-governor and serving senator support, were sighted crying uncontrollably.
