The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against former aviation minister, Stella Oduah, accusing her of involvement in a ₦2.4 billion fraud linked to contracts awarded during her time in office.
Oduah was arraigned on Wednesday before an Abuja High Court alongside her former aide, Gloria Odita, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired in January 2014 to fraudulently obtain ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation using two companies—Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd—under the pretext of providing “technical supervision” and “security logistics support services”.
The prosecution said the claims were false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Penal Code.
The government further alleged that the defendants separately obtained ₦839,780,738.90 on January 13, 2014, and ₦1,629,250,000 on February 12, 2014, through similar representations later deemed fictitious.
In additional counts, Oduah was accused of dishonest misappropriation of the same funds earmarked for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd, allegedly authorising their diversion in breach of her official duties.
Both Oduah and Odita pleaded not guilty.
Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, asked the court to grant her bail on self-recognition, noting that she voluntarily returned from the U.S. to honour the summons and had been on EFCC administrative bail. Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, appeared personally for the prosecution and did not oppose the bail request but called for a definite trial date.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted the defendants bail on self-recognition and ordered them to deposit their travel documents with the court, adding that they must seek permission before travelling abroad.
The court adjourned the matter until February 12 for the start of trial.
