The trial of the former Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, was on Monday stalled in a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo had on March 3, 2021, ordered an indefinite stay of proceedings in the trial due to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s alleged misconduct.

While the trial was ongoing before Justice Taiwo, the EFCC had obtained a temporary freezing order before another court against the same defendants in the matter. 

Displeased, Justice Taiwo agreed with the defence to stay further proceedings until the EFCC withdrew the account freezing application from the sister court.

The judge held that EFCC’s action was condemnable and amounted to “an abuse of court process, forum shopping, and contempt of court.” 

Justice Taiwo stayed hearing “until prosecution purges itself of contempt.” 

However, on Monday’s cause list, the matter was listed as number 17, but was rescheduled for May 4 and May 5.

The judge hinged his reason on the premise that there were many cases before the court, especially election-related matters.

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

Charged with Mrs Oyo-Ita is also Ubong Effiok and his two companies – U & U Global Services Ltd. and Prince Mega Logistics Ltd.

EFCC charged the defendants with corruption, fraud, obtaining estacodes and Duty Travel Allowance for journeys either not undertaken or not in existence, amounting to about N570 million.

(NAN)