The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Stella Oduah, former minister of aviation, before an Abuja high court over alleged fraud involving N2.4 billion.
Oduah was arraigned on Wednesday alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in January 2014 to obtain N2,469,030,738.90 from the federal ministry of aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd, allegedly under false claims.
The government alleged that Oduah and Odita “agreed amongst themselves to obtain a sum of Two Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Nine Kobo (N2,469,030,738.90) by false pretence. 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 alleged offence violates sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and is punishable under section 1(3).
The prosecution further 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 (N839,780,738.90) by falsely pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’.”
In another count, the government said that on February 12, 2014, the defendants obtained N1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, claiming it was for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” a representation described as false.
Counts four and five accuse Oduah, while serving as minister, 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.
Onyechi Ikpeazu, counsel to Oduah, asked the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition, noting that “the first defendant has been a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and voluntarily returned from the United States to honour the summons. He added that she has been on administrative bail by the EFCC.
Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, appeared personally for the prosecution.
He said the government was not opposed to bail but urged the court to fix a firm trial date. He noted that the defendants were served with proof of evidence on November 27 and are fully aware of the steps they ought to have taken.
Wale Balogun, counsel to Odita, made a plea for the release of her travel documents.
Hamza Muazu, presiding judge, said the court would consider such a request “If you make a case for permission to travel, when you are able to satisfy the court”.
Muazu granted Oduah and Odita bail on self-recognition and ordered them to deposit their travel documents. He said they must seek the court’s permission before travelling.
The judge adjourned the matter until February 12 for the commencement of the trial.
