The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Senator Stella Oduah before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on N5 billion corruption allegations. Oduah was arraigned on Wednesday alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. The Attorney General of …
Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Faces N5bn Corruption Charges
The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Senator Stella Oduah before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on N5 billion corruption allegations.
Oduah was arraigned on Wednesday alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, brought five charges against Oduah, including advance fee fraud and conspiracy.
According to one of the charges, Oduah allegedly obtained N2.4 billion through Broad Waters Resources from the Federal Ministry of Aviation by fraudulent means.
She reportedly claimed the sum represented the cost of technical supervision. The alleged offence is said to have occurred in January 2014.
In another count, she allegedly obtained N839,780,738.90 on January 13, 2014, under the same false pretence, and on February 12, 2014, N1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd for services falsely claimed, in violation of Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted her bail on self-recognition, ordering that she surrender her travel passport to the court and seek permission before travelling outside Nigeria.
The former minister was represented by legal expert Onyechi Ikpeazu during the arraignment.
Counts four and five accuse Oduah of misappropriating the funds earmarked for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd while serving as minister, an act described as a breach of official trust under the Penal Code.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, requested bail on self-recognition, highlighting that she voluntarily returned from the United States and had been on administrative bail.
Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, represented the prosecution and asked the court to set a firm trial date, noting that the defendants had been served with the proof of evidence on November 27.
Wale Balogun, counsel to Odita, also requested the release of her travel documents. Presiding Judge Hamza Muazu said such requests would be considered if the defendants demonstrated the need to travel.
The court granted both defendants bail on self-recognition, ordering them to deposit their travel documents and to seek court approval before any travel. The trial was adjourned to February 12, 2026.
This FCT High Court case is separate from a pending N7.9 billion money laundering case at the Federal High Court, which the AGF’s office also took over prosecution of in 2023.
The EFCC had previously filed 25-count charges in that matter, to which she also pleaded not guilty.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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