New reports from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday confirmed that the lead witness in the ongoing corruption trial of a former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, can no longer be found. EFCC made this known before a Federal High Court. Kalu alongside two others, Udeh Jones and Slok Nigeria Limited, is being tried over an alleged N2.9 billion fraud. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), an operative of the EFCC, Ovie Tobore Akpoyibo, told the court all efforts to locate the witness had failed. In his words; According to Akpoyibo, the witness identified as Michael Akpan Udoh was a cashier at the Abia State Government House. “In respect of M. A. Udoh, on January 15, 2018, I was instructed to go to Umuahia to locate his residence and if possible arrest him. When I got to Umuahia, I linked up with the State Attorney-General and he called the Accountant-General who took me to Udoh’s apartment. “Operatives gained access into the property the next day. At the place, we met Udoh’s wife and daughter and we were told that the man had travelled to Calabar. I later asked for his phone number, but I could not connect with him. I then left my phone number with the wife so that he can call me anytime he is around.” Akpoyibo continued saying every court summon to the witness had been ignored. EFCC, during the trial, also filed additional proof-of-evidence and an amended charge in the case. However, the lawyer representing the accused was displeased with the move saying the prosecution was only looking for ways to prolong the Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Charles Enwelunta, said the “The defendants who are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved are already having the feeling that they are being punished. Their businesses have suffered and they cannot plan again for anything because of this case. Even, we as counsels cannot plan our time”. Photo Credit: Getty