Alleged N5bn fraud: Stella Oduah’s trial begins Nov 22

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed November 22 for the arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, over an allegation of fraud while serving as a minister.

Oduah currently represents Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

She was scheduled for arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Tuesday, but the proceeding could not take place due to a public holiday.

However, the court on Wednesday fixed the trial for November 22 and 23.

On July 12, Justice Ekwo threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the former minister if she failed to appear in court by the next adjourned date (October 19).

The judge had given the warning after the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hassan Liman, in the alleged N5 billion trial against Oduah and eight others informed the court that Oduah and one other defendant were not in court to take their plea.

It was also learnt that the court had earlier fixed February 8 for the arraignment of the former minister.

But because she was not duly served with the court processes then, the arraignment could not go on.

Also, the matter could not hold on April 19 due to the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

The lawmaker is facing a fraud charge alongside others in a suit with number: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/20.

The anti-corruption agency has alleged that Oduah misappropriated public funds to the tune of N5 billion while serving as Minister of Aviation.