The Federal Government has arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court over allegations of ₦5 billion fraud.
Oduah was docked on a five-count charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The charges border on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences.
In one of the counts, prosecutors alleged that Oduah fraudulently obtained ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Ltd., claiming the funds were payment for technical supervision. The alleged offence dates back to January 2014.
She was also accused of receiving an additional ₦1.6 billion and ₦839 million through similar means, in violation of Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
Oduah, arraigned alongside co-defendant Gloria Odita, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Muazu granted her bail on self-recognition, with conditions that she must deposit her international passport with the court and must not travel outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.
Oduah was represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), while Wale Balogun (SAN) appeared for Odita.
This marks the second time the Federal Government has brought Oduah to trial on similar allegations; an earlier set of charges filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja was later withdrawn.
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