A former minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, was on Friday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of alleged fraud and corruption to the tune of N7.9 billion.
The arraignment is coming three years after charges were first filed against the ex-minister.
Oduah, alongside one of her former aides, Gloria Odita and seven others were arraigned on a 25-criminal count charge bordering on fraud, corruption, money laundering, maintaining an anonymous bank, amongst others.
The others in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020, are Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd and another.
Senator Oduah, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, is being accused of fraud and financial misappropriation while she served as minister during the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which the court held that they should continue on the administrative bail granted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Meanwhile, the judge ordered that the Attorney General of the Federation take over the prosecution of the case and that the EFCC should transfer the case file to the AGF in two weeks, adding that the terms and conditions of the bail be made available to the AGF.
The order according to the court became necessary owing to the controversy the case had generated since instituted.
Justice Ekwo reminded EFCC’s lawyer, Offem Uket, about his earlier directive to the commission to produce persons behind the action that had earlier stalled the trial.
“I gave you the photocopies of these organisations. Are they here? Did you invite them?” the judge asked, but Uket was unable to give a direct answer to questions asked.
Ekwo then said that though he would give a date for trial commencement, the EFCC must invite the affected people.
“I will give a date for trial and make a consequential order because you have allowed this matter to degenerate this way.
“You think you can shield any of these persons who have interfered in these proceedings?” he asked rhetorically.
The judge also warned journalists against reporting what did not transpire in court.
He said the records of proceedings are always available for any interested journalist to access.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until October 17 for trial.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
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