Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu on Monday was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N2.7bn fraud.

Kalu was re-arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Lagos Federal High Court.

He had previously been arraigned before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Abuja division of the court but was transferred to the Lagos Court by Chief Justice Ibrahim Auta.

Kalu is being accused of diverting N2.7bn from Abia State treasury while he was governor of the state.

He allegedly diverted the funds in tranches of N200m, N50m, N200m, N300.8m, N545m, N429m, N288.4m, N190m, N157m, N152.8m, N100m, N84m and N50m between August 13, 2003 and January 12, 2005.

Kalu is charged alongside Slok Nigeria Limited who was accused of conspiring with one Emeka Abone to hide the funds in its account.

Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued that his client should be allowed to continue on the bail he was awarded previously.

Ozekhome said, “We are seeking the court’s discretion for the first defendant to continue on the existing bail granted to him on April 20, 2008 by Justice Adamu Bello.

“Since this matter has started, he has not jumped bail. He is an employer of labour; therefore, he will not undermine this court.”

Consequently, Justice Idris ordered the defendants to continue on their existing bail.

Azeez