The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former aviation minister Stella Oduah before a high court in Abuja over an alleged N2.4 billion fraud.
Stella Oduah and another defendant, Gloria Odita, appeared in court on Wednesday to face a five-count charge that includes fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
Prosecutors said the two women conspired in January 2014 to collect N2,469,030,738.90 from the federal ministry of aviation through two companies—Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd—using claims that were not genuine.
According to the prosecution, they falsely presented the money as payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision” and “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” even though they allegedly knew the claims were untrue.
The alleged offence violates sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and is punishable under section 1(3).
The EFCC also accused them of collecting N839,780,738.90 on January 13, 2014, using the same reason of “technical supervision,” and another N1,629,250,000 on February 12, 2014, through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, again claiming it was for security and logistics services.
In two additional counts, Stella Oduah is accused of misusing the funds while serving as minister.
The prosecution claimed she approved the transfer of money meant for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd, which they said amounted to a breach of official trust.
Both Stella Oduah and Gloria Odita entered not-guilty pleas.
Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, asked the court to grant her bail based on self-recognition, noting that she previously returned from the United States on her own to face the case and had been on EFCC administrative bail.
Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, represented the prosecution.
He said the government would not oppose bail but asked the court to set a firm date for the trial to begin, pointing out that the defendants received all evidence on November 27.
Odita’s lawyer, Wale Balogun, also requested the release of her travel documents.
Justice Hamza Muazu said any request to travel would only be considered if the defendants could convince the court.
He granted both women bail on self-recognition and ordered them to submit their travel documents.
The judge said they must seek permission from the court before leaving the country.
The trial is scheduled to begin on February 12.
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