For the sixth time, the scheduled arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah on alleged N7.9B money laundering charges was stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Oduah who was personally present in court along with her other 8 co-defendants could not be docked following the inability of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to give a definite go ahead to the arraignment.
During the proceedings, counsel to 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.
He drew the attention of the Court to the fact that the charge against the defendants was filed since December 17, 2020 by the Federal Government while efforts to arraign them remained unsuccessful.
Liman’s attention was however, drawn to a portion in Malami’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.
Justice Inyang Ekwo who was to order for the plea to be taken insisted that the AGF be given time to take a definite position in order not to embark on exercise that may be in futility.
Other Senior lawyers standing for the defendants agreed with the court that the Minister of Justice be given time to complete his actions on the case file and issue necessary directive.
Justice Ekwo subsequently fixed October 12 and 13 for the defendants’ plea to be taken and the commencement of trial.
Senator Oduah’s planned arraignment has met brick wall for the fifth times due to her initial persistent absence in court.
Justice Ekwo on July 12 threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against her should she fail to avail herself for arraignment on the then adjourned date of October 19th 2021.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the charges alleged that Oduah misappropriated N7.9B public funds while serving as Minister of Aviation under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
The co defendants are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore, and Marine Limited.
Others are, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited and a foreign construction company.
They are all charged with conspiracy and money laundering as well as maintaining anonymous bank accounts