A Federal High in Abuja has warned that it may resort to issuing an arrest warrant for former Aviation Minister Stellah Oduah and eight others named in a charge pending before the court if they fail to attend court on the next date.
Justice Inyang Ekwo warned yesterday after Oduah (now a serving senator, representing Anambra North Senatorial District) and some other defendants were absent at the proceedings, with no explanation from their lawyers
Named as defendants in the charge, besides Oduah, are: Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, Sobora International Limited and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.
In the 25-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC, the nine defendants are accused, among others, of laundering about N10 billion.
They are charged with conspiracy, money laundering and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a popular bank.
Following the mention of the case yesterday, the court was informed that only Odita and Nnamdi were present.
In a ruling later, Justice Ekwo observed, as earlier noted by the prosecution, that besides the second and third defendants, the others too 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 the lawyers in the case, the judge adjourned till October 19 and 20 for arraignment and commencement of trial.
