The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before an Abuja High Court on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust involving N2.4 billion.
Oduah was arraigned alongside her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, over allegations that they conspired in January 2014 to siphon N2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies — Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd — under false claims.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly “agreed amongst themselves to obtain a sum of ₦2,469,030,738.90 by false pretence, pretending that the amount represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,’ which they knew to be false.”
The charges, filed under Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, are punishable under Section 1(3).
In count two, the Federal Government alleged that on January 13, 2014, Oduah and Odita fraudulently obtained ₦839,780,738.90, claiming it was for “Cost of Technical Supervision.”
Count three alleged that on February 12, 2014, the defendants obtained an additional ₦1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, purportedly for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” a claim the prosecution insisted was entirely false.
Counts four and five accused Oduah, as Aviation Minister at the time, of dishonestly misappropriating the same funds, which were originally approved for a security contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd.
The charge stated that she “dishonestly misappropriated the sum by authorising the transfer of the said funds, an act that amounts to a breach of your official trust,” contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 315.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Their lawyers — Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) for Oduah and Wale Balogun (SAN) for Odita — immediately moved applications for bail.
Ikpeazu urged the court to grant Oduah bail on self-recognition, describing her as a former minister and senator who “voluntarily flew in from the United States to honour the summons” and had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who personally led the prosecution, said the Federal Government was not opposing bail, but insisted that the case should proceed without delay.
He noted that the prosecution had served the defence with the proof of evidence since November 27, adding that the defendants were fully aware of the steps expected of them.
Balogun, counsel to Odita, also requested the release of his client’s travel documents. But Justice Hamza Muazu declined, saying such a request would only be considered “when a proper case is made before the court.”
Justice Muazu granted both defendants bail on self-recognition but ordered them to deposit their travel documents with the court and seek permission whenever they intend to travel.
The judge adjourned the case to February 12 for the commencement of trial.
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