Stella Oduah, the former aviation minister, claims she is unaware of the federal government’s new criminal charge against her.
She made the claim in a press statement issued through her lawyer, James Onoja.
Oduah stated that she was not summoned for questioning or served with a notice of the suit.
She added that she only learned about it through social media.
Onoja said, “Our client does not know about the charge.”
“No security agency, including the Nigerian police, carried out any investigation.”
“No security agency invited her to make any statement.”
“This position is supported by the fact that the charge has no proof of evidence bearing her statement. The charge being flaunted around does not even propose a NYSC staff as a witness.”
EFCC does not have powers to prosecute an offence under penal code
He added that the two lawyers who filed the suit, Ochogwu Ogbe and Ibrahim Mohammed, did not affix their practise seals. This he said is a requirement by the profession.
Onoja also stated that it is unclear whether the case is being prosecuted by the EFCC or the police.
“The EFCC does not have the powers to prosecute an offence under the penal code and there are so many decided authorities on that,” he said.
“The charge does not allege any offence under the EFCC Act. Forgery of a certificate has nothing to do with the EFCC.
“We have been to the EFCC headquarters for investigation but they denied knowledge of the charge. They also acknowledged the fact that it is not within their powers to prosecute someone with an alleged forged certificate.
“The spurious allegations against our client of not participating in NYSC has been dismissed by the supreme court in a civil matter in her favour.”
He described the entire situation as “a game plan to cause our client pain and confusion.”
He said the charges are politically motivated and a gender-based political attack on our client.
“The fresh charge against my client is a violation of the Code of Conduct for prosecutors as issued by the Federal Ministry of Justice and punishable under Article 7, part B of the Code,” he said.
EFCC to investigate the prosecution counsel
The federal government charged Oduah with eight counts.
On June 26, the FHC/ABJ/CR/275/23 suit was filed before an Abuja federal high court.
The former minister faces charges of lying under oath, a felony.
Oduah allegedly claimed to have lost her NYSC certificate to run for office.
Judge James Omotosho ordered the EFCC to investigate Mohammed, the prosecution counsel.
The lawyer signed the charge as an EFCC legal and prosecution department member.
He identified himself as the IGP monitoring unit head at the police headquarters.