x

Court threatens arrest warrant against Stella Oduah, others over alleged N10bn fraud

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning on Monday when Oduah (now a Senator, representing Anambra North) and some other defendants were absent at the proceedings with no explanation from their lawyers.

Named with Oduah as defendants in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020 are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd.

In the 25-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC, the nine defendants are accused, among others, of engaging in the laundering of about N10billion.

They are particularly charged with conspiracy, money laundering and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a new generation bank.

At the mention of the case on Monday, the court noted it was only the second and third defendants (Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi) that were present.

The development prompted the prosecuting lawyer, Hassan Liman (SAN), to complain about the absence of the other defendants, without any explanation from their lawyers.

Justice Ekwo noted the court’s business for the day was for the prosecution to report its compliance with an earlier order granting leave for substituted service of the charge on the fifth and sixth defendants.

“When trial is fixed and they are not here, you can then complain,” the judge told Liman, who reported that the prosecution has complied with the order for substituted service.

In a ruling later, Justice Ekwo observed, as earlier noted by the prosecution, that beside the second and third defendants, the others were absent.

“This is a note of warning that warrants of arrest would be issued at the next date against any defendant, who is absent,” the judge said.

Upon the agreement of all lawyers in the case, the judge then adjourned till October 19 and 20 for arraignment and commencement of trial.

Hot this week

Tinubu: Nigeria’s Economy Stable, Revenue Target Met Despite Global Pressures

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the economy...

Group Demands Impeachment, Arrest Of Osun Speaker Egbedun Over Alleged Death Threat

The political atmosphere in Osun State has been thrown...

Works Minister Umahi Felicitates With Muslims on Eid-Maulud

By Jabiru Hassan The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,...

Interior Ministry Champions Minister’s Vision at Care365 Product Launch

By Francis Wilfred The Ministry of Interior played a prominent...

59th Birthday: NCPC Lauds VP Shettima a Visionary Leader

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian...

NAFDAC Seals Up Abuja Factories Over Unlicensed Chemicals, Water Production

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The National Agency for Food and Drug...

Things to Know Before Visiting Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria is a region rich in history, culture,...

NNPP Expels Abdulmumin Jibrin Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

The political crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party...

World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Defeat Rwanda 1–0 to Boost 2026 Hopes

The Super Eagles of Nigeria revived their 2026 FIFA...

Parties Clash Over Police Probe of El-Rufai for Criminal Conspiracy

Fresh political tensions have erupted following a police invitation...

Kogi Govt Deploys Infrastructure to Tackle Erosion, Flooding

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Government says it...

THE BEARING: Why Nigerians Must Register to Vote Ahead of 2027

Elections are often seen as beginning on voting day,...

Over 10,000 Students Apply for Senator Karimi’s Bursary Award

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja No fewer than 10,465 students from...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img