The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama over an alleged N5 billion fraud linked to her tenure in 2014.
Oduah, who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2011 and 2014, was brought before the court on five counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
One of the counts alleges that she fraudulently obtained N2.4 billion through a company, Broad Waters Resources, from the Federal Ministry of Aviation under the pretext that the funds were meant for technical supervision. The alleged offences were said to have occurred in January 2014.
Other charges claim she received an additional N1.6 billion and N839 million through false pretences, acts said to be contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
Oduah was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita, who is listed as a co-defendant. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Oduah was represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), while Wale Balogun (SAN) appeared for Odita.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted Oduah bail on self-recognisance and ordered her to deposit her passport with the court. He also directed that she must not travel outside the country without permission.
This is the second time the Federal Government is prosecuting Oduah over the matter. An earlier case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja was later withdrawn.
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