The Nigerian government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, alongside Gloria Odita, in an Abuja High Court over an alleged N2.4 billion fraud.
The duo faces a five-count charge of alleged fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in January 2014 to obtain a total of ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under fraudulent pretences.
The charges state that Oduah and Odita agreed amongst themselves to obtain the sum of ₦2.469 billion by falsely claiming it represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,’ knowing such claims were untrue.
”Pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services’, which representation you knew to be false.”
“The offence violates Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and is punishable under Section 1(3).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the government alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants “obtained the sum of Eight Hundred and Thirty-Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Nine Kobo (₦839,780,738.90) by falsely pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’.”
Count three alleges that on February 12, 2014, the defendants obtained ₦1,629,250,000 from the ministry through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, claiming it was for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services”, a representation the prosecution says was false.
In counts Four and Five, the FG accused Oduah, as minister at the time, of dishonestly misappropriating the same sums earmarked for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd.
The charge states that she “dishonestly misappropriated the sum by authorising the transfer of the said sum, which act is a breach of your official trust,” contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Oduah’s legal team sought bail on self-recognition, highlighting her voluntary appearance in court and prior administrative bail with the EFCC.
Gloria Odita, represented by Wale Balogun SAN, also requested bail and made a plea regarding her travel documents.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, personally handled the prosecution, noting that the government had no objection to bail but insisted the court set a firm date for trial.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted bail to both defendants on self-recognition, ordering that their travel documents be deposited and court permission obtained for any travel.
However, the case has been adjourned until February 12 for the commencement of trial.
Source Sahara Reporters
