The planned arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, over seven point nine billion Naira money laundering charges, could not hold before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.
The arraignment of Odua who was present in court, along with the other 8 co-defendants could not hold for the sixth time, following the inability of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to give a definite go ahead with the arraignment.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, counsel for the Federal Government, Hassan Liman, tendered a letter from the AGF’s office and demanded that the accused persons be ordered to take their plea, having filed on December 17, 2020.
Liman, however, drew the court’s attention to the AGF’s letter of May 6, 2022, to the effect that his office was still looking into the issues raised by one of the defendants in the matter.
The trial judge, insisted that the AGF be given time to take a definite position, in order not to embark on an exercise that may be futile.
Without any objections, Justice Ekwo fixed October 12 to enable the defendants to take their plea.
Justice Ekwo had on July 12, threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Oduah, having refused to appear in court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), had alleged that Oduah misappropriated seven point nine billion Naira public funds while serving as a minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime.
Other defendants are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited and a foreign construction company.
They are charged with conspiracy and money laundering, as well as maintaining anonymous bank accounts.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
