AfriPulse
The Federal Government has brought fresh criminal charges against a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, over allegations bordering on a multi-billion-naira fraud.
The former minister appeared before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where she faced a new set of accusations linked to the handling of public funds during her time in office.
Oduah was docked on a five-count charge filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The allegations revolve around “advance fee fraud and conspiracy,” with prosecutors insisting that the transactions under scrutiny involved huge sums that moved through private firms while she oversaw the aviation ministry.
According to one of the charges, the former minister “obtained by fraudulent pretences a sum of N2.4 billion through Broad Waters Resources from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.”
She allegedly informed officials that the money represented “the cost of technical supervision.” Investigators claim the events in question occurred in January 2014.
The government also accused her of receiving additional funds—₦1.6 billion and another ₦839 million—through similar arrangements that prosecutors say violated Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
Her co-defendant in the case, Gloria Odita, was also present in court.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Justice Muazu granted Oduah bail on self-recognition.
He directed her to surrender her passport to the court and warned that she must seek permission before travelling outside Nigeria.
Her legal team was led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), while Wale Balogun (SAN) represented Gloria Odita.
Monday’s arraignment marks the second time the Federal Government is bringing Oduah before a court.
A previous set of charges filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was later withdrawn.
Source: PoliticsNigeria | Read the Full Story…
