The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation before an Abuja High Court over alleged fraud involving ₦2.4 billion.
Oduah was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining money 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 false claims.
They were accused of presenting the funds as payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision” and “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”
The alleged offences violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3).
The government further alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants obtained ₦839,780,738.90 under the claim of “Cost of Technical Supervision.” Another ₦1,629,250,000 was allegedly obtained on February 12, 2014, through Global Offshore Marine Ltd for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”
In counts four and five, the government accused Oduah, then serving as aviation minister, of misappropriating funds meant for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd.
She allegedly authorised the transfer of the money in breach of her official duties, contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Their lawyers, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) for Oduah and Wale Balogun (SAN) for Odita, applied for bail. Ikpeazu asked the court to grant Oduah bail on self-recognition, noting that she returned from the United States to honour the summons and had previously been on EFCC administrative bail.
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Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation, who appeared for the prosecution and said the government was not opposed to bail but requested a firm trial date, noting that the defendants had been served with proof of evidence since November 27.
Balogun also requested the release of Odita’s travel documents, but Justice Hamza Muazu said such a request would be considered only with sufficient justification.
Justice Muazu granted both defendants bail on self-recognition and ordered them to deposit their travel documents with the court. They must obtain court approval before traveling.
The matter was adjourned until February 12 for trial.
