The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah, in connection with alleged fraud charges amounting to N7.9 billion, has been temporarily suspended by the Federal High Court in Abuja, News About Nigeria reports.
The trial was scheduled to commence on June 15 but was adjourned by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo due to reported threats against the judge’s life by an unidentified individual.
During the court proceedings, Justice Ekwo presented evidence of a publication by a corporate entity in which his life was threatened in relation to the ongoing trial.
Expressing his anger and concern, Justice Ekwo directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting Oduah, to identify and apprehend the individuals behind the threatening organization.
Additionally, he instructed the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court to collaborate with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to obtain information about the individuals promoting the offending entity, with the aim of their arrest.
Justice Ekwo emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the court and asserted that Nigeria is not a lawless state where such acts can be tolerated.
The counsel representing the EFCC, Ofem Uket, expressed disappointment regarding the situation and assured that the anti-graft agency would make every effort to hold the culprits accountable.
In light of the EFCC’s commitment to uncovering those responsible for the threats, Justice Ekwo set a date of July 17 for the CAC to provide a report on the owners of the organization, as well as an update from the EFCC on their progress in identifying the culprits.
The EFCC has alleged that Oduah misappropriated a sum of N7.9 billion in public funds during her tenure as a minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Alongside Oduah, the defendants in the case include Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited, and a foreign construction company.
They face charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and the operation of anonymous bank accounts.
