Alleged fraud: Ex-Head of Service, Oyo-Ita, eight others for trial today

The trial of Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, former Head of Service of the Federation, is billed to start today, Wednesday, at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo is presiding over the matter.

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 about 471,633,291.

Ubong Effiok( her special assistant) and Garba Umar, are among the defendants.

Other defendants are Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Ltd, Garba Umar Slopes International Ltd.; Gooddeal Investments Ltd; U & U Global Services Ltd, which is owned by to Effiok and Prince Mega Logistics Limited.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The EFCC is prosecuting her and eight others for allegedly receiving kickbacks on contracts, illegal estacodes and duty tour allowance from the government, during her time as Deputy Director of the Ministry of Power, and head of service.