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Ex-Gov, Kalu fails to stop EFCC from appealing judgment freeing him in alleged 7.1b fraud

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A former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu failed on Friday in his bid to stop the Federal Government from appealing the September 29, 2021 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja that stopped his prosecution on a N7.1bn money laundering charge.

In two rulings on Friday, a three-member panel of the appellate court rejected the objection by Kalu and his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited to the application for leave to appeal out of time filed by the federal government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Kalu and Slok had argued, among others that the Court of Appeal, having delivered a judgment on March 6, 2024, striking out an earlier appeal by the federal government, the court had become functus officio and could not longer take any further steps on the case.

Justice Ishaq Sanni, who read the rulings on Friday, noted that the March 6, 2024 judgment did not determine the substance of the appeal and thus, was not a judgment given on the merit.

Justice Sanni held that the Court of Appeal, in the March 6, 2024 judgment only struck out the appeal on the grounds that the record of appeal was not properly certified, because the official of the Federal High Court, who certified the record did not include his or her designation.

He held that since the March 6, 2024 judgment was delivered after the three months allowed an aggrieved party to appeal, the federal government was in order to have filed its application for extension of time to appeal.

Justice Sanni proceeded to issue an order extending the time within which the federal government should file a notice of appeal against the September 29 judgment of the Federal High Court.

He also ordered the federal government to file its notice of within 14 days.

The rulings were on the appeals marked: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/430MI/2024 (FRN v. Orji Uzo Kalu and two others) and CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/431MI/2024 )FRN v. Slok Nigeria Limited and two others.

Details shortly.

Politics

Unity in Transition: Success Opara Call for Brotherhood in David Mark’s ADC

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As ADC Transitions Through David Mark, Success Opara Calls on Imo ADC to be Their Brother’s Keeper”

In a bid to strengthen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Success Opara, a prominent figure in the party, has called on ADC members in Imo State to stand together in support of one another.

As the party transitions under the leadership of David Mark, Opara emphasized the importance of being their “brother’s keeper,” recognizing that the challenges ahead are uncertain and require collective strength.

With the party’s growing influence and potential for success, members are being encouraged to stand together in support of one another.

The call for unity comes as the ADC continues to attract prominent figures and gain momentum across the country.

Under David Mark’s leadership, the ADC is poised to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections, and Opara’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within the party.

 

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE — Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE

— Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

— Says Right of Way Must Be Cleared to Protect Reconstructed Roads

The Imo State Government has begun a sweeping evacuation of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government verges across the state, reiterating that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government verge for private use.

This decisive action comes after investigations revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership. A prime example is the document currently circulating and attached herein, which was illegally issued and fraudulently backdated in favor of one Hon. Clinton Amadi, allegedly allocating a plot at Aladinma Garden Estate.

Government officials have confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge — which is public land reserved for utility easements and road buffer — cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance noted:

“The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for stormwater flow, leading to flooding and accelerated deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads.”

The statement emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. The public is hereby warned not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.

A Stern Warning to All Illegal Occupants:

All individuals or businesses currently occupying government verges are hereby directed to vacate such areas immediately. Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.

Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of state policy but an assault on public interest.

The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and development efforts.

Residents are urged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government verges to the Office of the SA on Monitoring and Compliance or the Imo State Ministry of Lands for immediate investigation.

Signed:
Office of the SA to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance
Government of Imo State,
Owerri, Nigeria.

05/07/2025

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As ADC Becomes Nigeria’s Sanctuary, Okoroma’s Leadership Soars – Success Opara

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in Imo State, with its State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, leading the charge. Success Opara, Local Government Chairman of ADC Owerri Municipal, has praised Okoroma’s leadership, describing the party as “Nigeria’s Sanctuary” – a viable platform to rescue the country and state from political and economic turbulence.

Under Okoroma’s guidance, ADC is experiencing unprecedented growth, with key stakeholders and political heavyweights joining the coalition. Opara commended Okoroma’s exceptional leadership style, calling him a detribalized Nigerian and an astute political manager with a global vision.

Opara highlighted Okoroma’s efforts in building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. “Prof. Okoroma is not one for ‘eating politics.’ He is building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. Imo ADC, under his watch, is alive, well, and stronger than ever,” Opara stated.

The party’s growing support base is evident in the recent defections, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and past Governor of Imo State. Rumors also circulate about potential defections from other prominent figures.

With Okoroma’s leadership, ADC is poised to make a significant impact in Imo State’s political landscape. As Success Opara noted, “Under the competent leadership of Prof. Okoroma, ADC remains safe, intact, and focused.”

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