The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has brought former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah before an Abuja High Court, accusing her of involvement in a multi-billion-naira fraud said to date back to 2014.
Oduah was arraigned on Wednesday alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
According to the EFCC, the pair allegedly worked together in January 2014 to secure 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 claims the agency says were fabricated.
The prosecution stated that Oduah and Odita “agreed amongst themselves to obtain a sum of two billion, four hundred and sixty-nine million, thirty thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight naira, nine kobo (N2,469,030,738.90) by false pretence. Pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,’ which representation you knew to be false.”
The charges were brought under sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which carry penalties under section 1(3).
The EFCC further alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants obtained N839,780,738.90 under the guise of payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision.” Another count claims that on February 12, 2014, they secured N1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, also allegedly based on false claims tied to “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”
Counts four and five focus specifically on Oduah’s conduct as minister, accusing her of diverting the funds meant for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd. The prosecution says she “dishonestly misappropriated the sum by authorising the transfer of the said sum, which act is a breach of your official trust,” contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 315 of the Penal Code.
Both Oduah and Odita pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, urged the court to grant her bail on self-recognition, noting her past ministerial position and emphasising that she voluntarily travelled back from the U.S. to honour the court summons. He also pointed out that she has been under EFCC administrative bail.
Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, who appeared personally for the prosecution, said the government would not oppose bail but pressed the court to set a firm date to begin the trial. He added that the defence had received proof of evidence on November 27 and “are fully aware of the steps they ought to have taken.”
Counsel to the second defendant, Wale Balogun, asked the court to release Odita’s travel documents, but presiding judge Justice Hamza Muazu said such a request would only be granted “if you make a case for permission to travel, when you can satisfy the court.”
The judge approved bail for both women on self-recognition but directed them to submit their travel documents and seek court approval before any international travel.
The case has been adjourned until February 12, when the trial is expected to begin.
