Malami Approves Prosecution Of Former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah Over Alleged N7bn Fraud
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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the go-ahead to prosecute a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Oduah, a senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District in the Senate, was arraigned on a 25-count charge, along with 8 other defendants.
Oduah and her co-accused persons have not been able to take their plea because of an application by one of the defence lawyers, Ogwu Onoja SAN, asking the court not to go on with the plea-taking.
Onoja had told the court that there was a petition dated January 29, 2022, to the AGF, in respect of the charge.
However, having requested and studied the case file, the AGF finally gave his approval for the trial of Oduah and other co-defendants.
The letter of the AGF was announced before the court by the prosecution counsel, Hassan Liman SAN.
All parties admitted receipt of the said approval letter when Justice Ekwo inquired.
The EFCC lawyer informed the court that the agency has concluded its investigation on the matter, and is ready for the commencement of a full-blown trial.
Consequently, Justice Ekwo adjourned to February 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, 2023, after ordering an accelerated hearing of the case.
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