Former Aviation Minister, Sen. Stella Oduah, along with others, pleaded not guilty to a N5 billion fraud charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Sen. Oduah and eight co-defendants were presented before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment by the EFCC.
Justice Ekwo scheduled the date for the plea after the EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Liman SAN, requested the court to allow the defendants to enter their plea. The charges had been filed against them on December 17, 2020.
In addition to the former lawmaker, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, the other accused individuals are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere. Several companies, including Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd, and others, were also arraigned.
The charges against Oduah date back to her tenure as Minister during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration, involving alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation. The 25-count charge comprises accusations of conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank.
Following their plea, Justice Ekwo ordered that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) take over the case, instructing the EFCC to transfer the case file to the AGF within two weeks.
While the existing administrative bail conditions granted by the EFCC were upheld, the court also directed that the terms of these conditions be made available to the AGF.
The trial for the case is scheduled to commence on October 17, 2023.