Tobias Sylvester
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, for alleged financial impropriety totalling more than N9.4billion fraud.
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed February 22 for the arraignment because the former minister was yet to be served with the relevant court documents.
SaharaReporters had reported that in February 2018, the EFCC had commenced investigation of Oduah, over her involvement in the N9.4billion contract for supply of security equipment to 22 airports across the country.
Oduah, who currently represents Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, is facing the fraud charge alongside eight others in a suit with number: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/20.
According to NAN, the EFCC alleged that Mrs Oduah misappropriated public funds while serving as a minister under the former President, Goodluck Jonathan
Although the arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday’s sitting, the case could not proceed because the lawmaker was not in court.
Counsel for the EFCC, Dr Hassan Liman, SAN, told the court that the ex-minister had not been served with the court processes.
The lawyer, therefore, prayed for an adjournment to enable the anti-graft agency to serve the lawmaker.
“My lord, the matter has been set out today for arraignment but I have been informed by the commission that the first defendant (Oduah) has yet to be served. In view of that, my lord, may I humbly apply for a very short date,” he said.
Justice Ekwo held that it was the duty of the prosecution to produce defendants in court.
The judge then adjourned the matter until February 22 for defendants to take their plea.
KanyiDaily had also reported how the EFCC recovered N75 million from Halima Tanimu-Turaki, wife of a former Minister for Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs.
