In another twist of events,the federal high court sitting in Abuja has granted the application of Senator Uche Chukwumerije and a traditional ruler Eze Gaius Ihejiamaizu to withdraw as sureties to the former governor of Abia state, Chief Orji Kalu.

The duo had asked the court to discharge them as sureties to the former governor of Abia state on the ground that they no longer have confidence in Dr Orji Kalu and will not stand as surety for him anymore.

Lawyer representing Chief Orji Kalu, Chief Awa Kalu who did not oppose the application however prayed the court to review the bail conditions and allow the accused persons to enjoy their bail on liberal terms.

Ruling on the application, Justice Adamu Bello varied the bail condition for the embattled former governor as he asked Chief Orji Kalu to provide another surety to replace Senator Uche Chukwumerije while discarding the provision of a traditional ruler as a surety.

Justice Bello also ruled that counsel to Eze Gaius Ihejiamaizu, Mr. Anthony Agbazure cannot appear before the court while still retaining his position as a serving commissioner in the government of Abia state.

He subsequently adjourned the case to the 18th of April for mention.

Kalu is facing a 107-count charge of money-laundering, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the misappropriation of N5 billion belonging to the Abia state government.