The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over an alleged ₦5 billion fraud.
Oduah was brought before Justice Hamza Muazu on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence. The charges were filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly obtained ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through a company, Broad Waters Resources, under the claim that the funds were meant for technical supervision.
“The defendant falsely represented that the sum of ₦2.4 billion was required for technical supervision, a claim the prosecution said was fraudulent,” the charge read.
The alleged offences were said to have been committed in January 2014.
In other counts, Oduah was accused of collecting additional sums of ₦1.6 billion and ₦839 million through similar means, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
Oduah was arraigned alongside her co-defendant, Gloria Odita. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Ruling on bail, Justice Muazu admitted the former minister to bail on self-recognition but ordered her to deposit her international passport with the court.
“She must not travel outside the country without the prior permission of this court,” the judge ruled.
Oduah was represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), while Wale Balogun (SAN) appeared for her co-defendant.
