On Friday, a significant development occurred in the ongoing N5 billion fraud case involving Senator Stella Oduah and others as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to take over the prosecution of the case from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This decision was taken by Justice Inyang Ekwo after the defendants, including Senator Stella Oduah, pleaded not guilty to the 25-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
The case has been marred by controversies right from its inception, with breaches of the court’s privacy through text messages sent to the judge and a petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria regarding the ongoing suit. In response to these breaches, Justice Ekwo had previously directed the EFCC to identify and produce the individuals responsible for such actions. However, the investigation did not yield immediate results, leading to further delays in the arraignment of the defendants.
During the hearing on Friday, the EFCC’s lawyer, Offem Uket, informed the court that the matter was for plea, and the defense lawyers also stated their readiness for the proceedings. The defendants, including Senator Stella Oduah, who had represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In response to the EFCC’s earlier inability to produce the individuals behind the privacy breaches, Justice Ekwo expressed displeasure at the manner in which the trial had degenerated and the lack of cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice. He inquired about the directive he had given to the EFCC and stated that he would give a date for the trial’s commencement, but that the EFCC must invite the individuals involved in the breaches.
The judge warned journalists against reporting incorrect information about the proceedings, emphasizing that the records of the proceedings were available for anyone interested in accessing them.
As a result of the controversies and challenges surrounding the case, Justice Ekwo made a consequential order for the AGF to take over the prosecution of the case from the EFCC. He also directed the EFCC to hand over all the records of proceedings to the office of the AGF. The trial is now adjourned until October 17 for further proceedings.
The case against Senator Stella Oduah and others involves allegations of conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank, in connection with an alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation that occurred during her tenure as a Minister in the Jonathan Administration.
The development marks a significant turn in the case and highlights the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent trial process while holding those responsible for financial crimes accountable. The AGF’s involvement in the case signifies a new phase, and it remains to be seen how the proceedings will unfold in the coming months. The case continues to draw attention and scrutiny from the public and the media, given the high-profile nature of the defendants involved.