The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 21 as the date for the arraignment of Senator Stella Oduah and other defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court fixed the date following a request by the EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Liman, SAN, who urged the court to allow the defendants to enter their pleas.

The EFCC had filed the charges against them on December 17, 2020.

The charges involve allegations of N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation during Oduah’s tenure as a minister in the Jonathan Administration.

The defendants, including 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 others, are facing counts of conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts.

During the hearing, Liman informed the court that a letter or petition had been submitted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria against Justice Ekwo, the presiding judge.

In response, the judge directed the EFCC to investigate and uncover the identity of the individuals involved.

The EFCC conducted the investigation and identified Mr. Okolo Obinna Johnson, who is allegedly linked to two companies, through a traced telephone number.