Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah appeared in Abuja on Wednesday, December 10, facing charges of allegedly defrauding N2.5 billion from the Ministry of Aviation. She was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita, who is also facing a separate N5 billion money laundering case.
The five-count charges, linked to transactions in January 2014, allege that Oduah and Odita obtained the funds through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited under the pretense of covering technical supervision, security integration, and logistics support.
Prosecutors said the claims were false, citing the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Onyechi Ikpeazu and Wale Balogun, the defendants sought bail, highlighting compliance with conditions in a related case.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, did not oppose bail but urged the court to set a trial date and secure travel documents.
Trial Judge Hamza Muazu granted bail on self-recognition and ordered their travel documents deposited with the court. Oduah’s request to retrieve her documents will require separate court approval. The trial is set for February 12-13, 2026.
Oduah and Odita are also defendants in a separate N5 billion money laundering case involving Chinese firm CCECC Nigeria Limited and other individuals and companies.
The EFCC alleges they laundered over N5 billion between February and June 2014 via anonymous First Bank accounts, with charges including conspiracy, possession of proceeds of fraud, and aiding and abetting money laundering. All defendants deny wrongdoing.
