Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North, revealed in an interview on Arise Television that he was previously involved in the international trade of heavy weaponry before exiting the sector under pressure from his family.

During the broadcast, Kalu explained that his commercial operations extended across national borders and that he supplied heavy armaments to any buyers capable of meeting his financial terms. When questioned regarding the destination of these sales and whether his commercial activities included supplying groups involved in regional conflicts or figures such as the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the senator maintained that his transactions were strictly commercial and directed toward anyone with the necessary funds. He also noted that he did not deal in small arms, distinguishing his former operations as intergovernmental or large-scale heavy weapon transactions.

Additionally, Kalu discussed his historical and personal connections with South African political figures, tracing his relationships back to former President Nelson Mandela. According to Kalu, Mandela facilitated his introductions to subsequent South African leaders, including Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and current President Cyril Ramaphosa, while sharing historical context regarding the anti-apartheid movement and leadership dynamics within the African National Congress.