The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, has fixed February 13, 2023, for the arraignment of a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah for alleged fraud and money laundering to the tune of N7.9 billion.
Odua is being prosecuted on 25 counts of money laundering alongside Gloria Odita, Nwobu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited and the China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited.
The trial of the ex-minister had suffered setbacks owing to her continued absence at court proceedings and the delay in obtaining legal advice from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami.
Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation, asking that the case can go on.
Counsel to the Prosecution and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Hassan Liman, told the Court that he has received a letter from the office of the AGF, authorising the commencement of trial of the former Minister, as the investigation had been concluded.
Liman said all the other parties in the suit had been served the letter, indicating readiness to begin hearing in the case.
The EFCC said it will present 32 witnesses during the trial.