Senator representing Abia North and former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has praised the circumstances surrounding his 2019 imprisonment, revealing that his six months behind bars served as a transformative period that taught him humility, forgiveness, and the vanity of life. ​
The legal battle began on Thursday, December 5, 2019, when Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Kalu to 12 years in prison following his conviction on a 39-count charge of ₦7.65 billion fraud allegedly committed during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.
Kalu was subsequently remanded to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja. However, on Friday, May 8, 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria issued a unanimous verdict led by Justice Ejembi Eko, nullifying Kalu’s conviction on procedural grounds due to the trial judge’s lack of jurisdiction at the time of judgment, which led to Kalu’s release. ​
Reflecting on his ordeal in an official anniversary statement titled “Kuje: Two Years After,” issued in Abuja, Kalu framed his time in detention not as a setback, but as a crucial act of destiny. He noted that his perception of life changed fundamentally during those six months, describing life as “vanity” and stating that he emerged from the experience a reformed, more humble man.
Emphasizing that kindness and forgiveness should rule the world rather than wickedness, the lawmaker affirmed that he had unconditionally forgiven everyone instrumental to his trial and conviction. ​Kalu also expressed deep gratitude to those who stood by him throughout the six-month incarceration.
He gave special tribute to his wife, who delivered his single daily meal every day during his stay, and acknowledged his mother’s steadfast prayers. Furthermore, the Abia North representative highlighted the solidarity shown by key political associates and legislative colleagues, including former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, current Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Sani Musa, all of whom visited him in custody.
Concluding his statement, Kalu urged Nigerians to embrace empathy, foster love across ethnic divides, and uphold deep respect for human life.
