Oyo-Ita gets new trial date for N471m fraud case

Head of Service of the Federation Winifred Oyo-Ita
Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita

A Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed October 20 for continuation of trial of the immediate-past Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo adjourned the trial on Wednesday on the grounds that he was not properly briefed about the latest scheduled date.

The judge also said that due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, it was necessary for the court to be decongested and for everyone to comply with public health rules.

He further said that the trial would continue when the court returns from vacation.

Oyo-Ita and two others were arraigned before the court on March 23 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 18-count charge bordering on fraud to the tune of N471 million.

Her aide, Ubong Effiok, and another named Garba Umar are among the defendants.

Other defendants include Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Ltd, Slopes International Ltd, Gooddeal Investments Ltd, U & U Global Services Ltd, which is linked to Effiok, and Prince Mega Logistics Limited.

All the defendants in the case pleaded not guilty to the charges.