Judge suspends Stella Oduah’s trial after publication
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah’s trial for alleged N7.9 billion fraud has been suspended at the Abuja Federal High Court by Judge Inyank Ekwo over alleged threat to his life by unidentified persons.
Ekwo put off the arraignment of Oduah planned for June 15 after he brought out in court a publication by a corporate organisation in which his life was severely threatened over the trial.
He ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuting the case to fish out those behind the corporate body and bring them before the court.
He also ordered the court Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of litigation to liaise with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to obtain the identities of the promoters of the organisation for the purpose of arresting them.
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Maintaining court sanctity
Ekwo insisted the sanctity of the court must be maintained as Nigeria is not a banana republic or an animal kingdom where lawlessness can be condoned, per Daily Post.
EFCC counsel Ofem Uket expressed sadness over the development and vowed the anti-graft agency will bring the culprits to justice.
He urged the court not to allow unknown persons acting as an external third party to scuttle Oduah’s trial.
Based on Uket’s promise, Ekwo fixed July 17 for a report of the CAC on the owners of the organisation and feedback on the bid by the EFCC to fish out the culprits.
The EFCC alleged Oduah misappropriated N7.9 billion public funds while serving as Aviation Minister in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Other defendants are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore, Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited, and a foreign construction company.
They are charged with conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts.