The Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over alleged corruption involving about ₦5 billion.
Oduah was docked by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on a five count charge bordering on conspiracy and advance fee fraud. She pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly obtained ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through a company, Broad Waters Resources, by fraudulent pretences. The money was said to have been claimed as payment for technical supervision services allegedly carried out in January 2014.
In other counts, Oduah was accused of collecting an additional ₦1.6 billion and ₦839 million through similar means, offences said to be contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
The former minister was arraigned alongside one Gloria Odita.
After her plea, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, admitted Oduah to bail on self recognisance. The court, however, ordered her to deposit her international passport with the court and restrained her from travelling outside Nigeria without prior permission.
The bail conditions followed an application by Oduah’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu.
This development marks the second time the Federal Government has brought Oduah before the court over related allegations, following the withdrawal of earlier charges filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case was adjourned to a later date for commencement of trial.
