Alleged 5Bn Fraud: Court Fixes Feb.13 For Oduah’s Arraignment As EFCC Sets To Call 32 Witnesses

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned till February 13, 2023 for the arraignment of the current senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Stella Oduah.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC is prosecuting Oduah and others on alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation.

They are also being charged with conspiracy, money laundering and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank.

The defendants will be arraigned on 25-count charge.

When the matter came up before justice Inyang Ekwo, the prosecution counsel Hassan Liman informed the court that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has given directive for the prosecution of the defendants.

Liman also informed the court that investigation into the alleged crime has been concluded by the anti-craft agency and now ready to go on with the matter.

He announced that EFCC will call 32 Witnesses to prove the allegations against the defendants

The arraignment of Oduah and her fellow accused persons had suffered several adjournments on account of the AGF’s letter stating that the case file was being reviewed.

After listening to the EFCC counsel, justice Ekwo held that since the prosecution has concluded to proceed with the trial that the defendants should be given apple time to prepare for their defence.

The judge consequently adjourned till February 13, 2023 ordering that the trial must be on day to day bases and that he will not entertain frivolous request for adjournments.