FG Arraigns Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Over Alleged N2.4bn Fraud

FG Arraigns Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Over Alleged N2.4bn Fraud

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, before an Abuja High Court on allegations of N2.4 billion fraud. Oduah was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in January 2014 to obtain ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under fraudulent claims. The offences violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3).

The government alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants fraudulently obtained ₦839,780,738.90, falsely presenting it as payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision.” In another count, they were accused of securing ₦1,629,250,000 on February 12, 2014 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, claiming it was for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”

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Counts Four and Five allege that Oduah, as minister, dishonestly misappropriated the funds earmarked for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd, in violation of Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Wale Balogun (SAN), applied for bail, with Ikpeazu urging the court to grant Oduah bail on self-recognition, noting that she voluntarily returned from the United States to honour the summons and had been on administrative bail with the EFCC.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who appeared for the prosecution, did not oppose bail but urged the court to set a definite trial date.

Justice Hamza Muazu granted both defendants bail on self-recognition and ordered them to deposit their travel documents with the court, adding that any request for travel would only be considered upon satisfactory justification.

The case was adjourned to February 12 for commencement of trial.

FG Arraigns Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Over Alleged N2.4bn Fraud