The Federal Government has arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court over an alleged ₦5 billion fraud.
Oduah was docked on a five-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud and conspiracy, filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
According to one of the charges, Oduah allegedly obtained ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources under the false claim that the funds were for technical supervision. The alleged offences were reportedly committed in January 2014.
Other counts accuse her of fraudulently collecting an additional ₦1.6 billion and ₦839 million, allegedly in violation of Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
Oduah, arraigned alongside co-defendant Gloria Odita, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Muazu granted Oduah bail on self-recognition, but ordered her to deposit her international passport with the court and barred her from travelling without prior permission.
Her legal team was led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), while Wale Balogun (SAN) represented Odita.
This marks the second attempt by the Federal Government to prosecute Oduah, as earlier charges filed against her at the Federal High Court, Abuja, were previously withdrawn.
