21st July, 2023
By Taiye Agbaje
Former Aviation Minister, Sen. Stella Oduah and 8 others on Friday, pleaded not guilty to a N5 billion fraud charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Oduah and eight others were arraigned by the EFCC before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.
The presiding judge fixed the date after counsel that appeared for EFCC, Hassan Liman, SAN, prayed the court to allow the defendants to take their plea, having filed the charge against them since Dec. 17, 2020.
Others arraigned alongside the ex-lawmaker, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, were Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere.
Others include Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd and others.
Oduah was charged with N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation while serving as Minister during the Jonathan administration.
They are charged with conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank in the 25-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020.
The proceedings were still underway at the time the reports were filed.
NAN