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Court Suspends N7.9 billion Fraud Trial of Stella Oduah, over Threat to Judge’s Life

Published

1 year ago

June 15, 2023

Court Suspends Trial of Stella Oduah Over Threat to Judge’s Life

The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, was on Thursday, June 15, 2023, suspended by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The suspension of the trial followed an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking to protect the life of the judge.

In the application, the EFCC alleged that there were threats to the life of Justice Ekwo by unknown persons. The anti-graft agency said the threats were made to the judge through phone calls and text messages.

EFCC prayed the court to order the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security for Justice Ekwo and his family. Justice Ekwo granted the prayers of the EFCC and ordered the police to provide adequate security for the judge and his family.

The judge also adjourned the trial until June 22, 2023.

Stella Oduah is facing a 13-count charge of money laundering, involving N7.9 billion. The charges were preferred against her by the EFCC, following her alleged involvement in the procurement of two armoured BMW cars worth N255 million from Coscharis Motors, a car dealer in Abuja, when she was the Minister of Aviation.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

You should recall that the trial of Stella Oduah has been on for several years, with the judge granting several adjournments at the instance of the defence. The latest adjournment of the trial is coming at a time when the EFCC is under pressure to secure convictions in high-profile cases.

The suspension of the trial is also a setback for the EFCC, which is trying to build a case against Stella Oduah. The EFCC is expected to file a motion on notice to argue its application for the protection of Justice Ekwo.