The Federal High Court, Abuja Wednesday, fixed October 20, 2020 for continuation of trial in the alleged N471m fraud leveled against the immediate-past Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita.
Oyo-Ita and two others were arraigned before the court on March 23 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an18-count charge bordering on fraud to the tune of about N471 million.
Ubong Effiok, her Special Assistant, and Garba Umar, are among the defendants.
All the defendants in the case pleaded not guilty to the charge.
While announcing the adjournment on Wednesday, the trial Judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, adjourned the trial on the grounds that he was not properly briefed about the latest scheduled date.
Justice Taiwo said, “I am not aware that the matter will be coming up today and since the matter is not time, it is better to adjourn it for another date.
“Besides, the recorder is not here and I believe that we should all keep safe. This court is too congested,” he added.
The Judge also held further that it was necessary for everyone to comply with public health advisory in a COVID-19 pandemic era.
He then ruled that the trial would continue when the court returns from vacation.
Justice Taiwo then adjourned till Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 for trial continuation.
