The trial of the former Head of Service (HoS), Winifred Oyo-Ita, before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court could not proceed on Wednesday.

This was due to the absence of the presiding judge, Taiwo Taiwo.

However, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and defence in the matter were in court.

The court fixed July 7 for a resumed hearing.

Also, most of the courts in the high-rise building, except Court 10, where Justice Bolaji Olajuwon presides, did not sit.

According to some court workers, the development could be attributed to the Sallah celebration.

The trial on February 28 also suffered a setback.

The case, listed for resumed hearing, was stalled as the matter was rescheduled for May 4 and 5, by the judge.

Mrs Oyo-Ita is being tried alongside Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Garba Umar and his two companies – Slopes International Limited and Gooddeal Investments Limited.

Also charged with Mrs Oyo-Ita is Ubong Effiok and his two companies – U & U Global Services Limited and Prince Mega Logistics Limited.

They are being prosecuted on allegations bordering on corruption, fraud, obtaining estacodes and Duty Travel Allowance (DTA) for journeys either not undertaken or not in existence, amounting to about N570 million, among other charges.

 (NAN)