EFCC’s failure to serve suspects stall re-arraignment of former Aviation Minister, Oduah

By Olalekan Awojodu

Abuja

The arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Stella Oduah was again stalled on Monday due to the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to serve two suspects in the trial.

She currently represent Anambra North Senatorial district at the National Assembly. The lawmaker is facing the fraud charge alongside eight others in charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/20.

Oduah who is facing a fraud charge at the Federal High Court, Abuja, alongside eight others was to be arraigned in court on Feb. 9. But the matter could not commence.

In a 25-count charge slammed against the ex-minister and eight others, the EFCC accuses Stella of misappropriating funds while she was serving as a minister.

They also accused her of alleged fraud and diversion of funds through the operation of anonymous bank accounts.

At the resumed sitting on Monday, at the mention of the case before Justice Inyang Ekwo, Counsel to the EFCC, Dr. Hassan Liman, SAN told the court that the 5th and 6th suspect in the matter were yet to be served with the court processes.

“The commission is yet to serve the fifth and sixth defendants with the court processes,” Liman said.

He prayed for leave of the court to serve the defendants, which are corporate bodies, at their respective addresses.

Justice Ekwo granted the leave sought directing that the defendants be served within 14 days.

Justice Ekwo has since adjourned the matter till April 19 for the suspects to take their plea.

Oduah, who currently represents Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, according to sources, was yet to be served with the court processes.