The Federal Government has formally arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court over allegations of fraud amounting to ₦5 billion. The arraignment, which took place on Tuesday, marks a renewed effort by the government to prosecute the former minister on charges linked to alleged financial misconduct during her tenure.
Oduah, who served as Aviation Minister between 2011 and 2014, was brought before the court on a five-count charge filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The charges centre on advance fee fraud, conspiracy, and fraudulent receipt of public funds.
According to the charge sheet, Oduah is accused of obtaining ₦2.4 billion by false pretence through a company identified as Broad Waters Resources. The prosecution alleges that she claimed the funds were required for technical supervision services for the ministry. The alleged offence was said to have occurred in January 2014.
In additional counts, the former minister is accused of fraudulently receiving another ₦1.6 billion and ₦839 million through the same company under similar pretences. The prosecution maintains that the actions contravene the provisions of Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
Oduah was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita, who is also facing similar charges. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), applied for bail, arguing that the former minister was a senior citizen, a responsible public figure, and not a flight risk. He urged the court to honour her previous record of voluntary attendance in similar proceedings.
Justice Muazu granted Oduah bail on self-recognition, noting her status as a former minister and serving senator. However, he ordered that she must deposit her international passport with the court and obtain judicial permission before travelling outside the country. Her co-defendant, Gloria Odita—represented by Wale Balogun (SAN)—was also granted bail under similar conditions.
The judge adjourned the matter to allow both parties adequate time to prepare for the substantive trial.
This arraignment marks the second attempt by the Federal Government to prosecute Oduah on corruption-related charges. An earlier case filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving similar allegations was withdrawn by the prosecution under unclear circumstances, sparking public criticism at the time.
The renewed charges come amid heightened national attention on corruption cases involving former public officeholders. Analysts say the government appears determined to pursue high-profile corruption cases to their logical conclusion as part of its broader anti graft policy goals.
Stella Oduah, once a prominent member of the ruling elite, has been embroiled in controversy since her tenure at the Aviation Ministry, including allegations relating to inflated procurement costs and misappropriation of public funds. Though she has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, the latest charges place fresh legal pressure on her and intensify scrutiny over her time in office.
The Federal Ministry of Justice maintains that the charges are backed by extensive investigations and financial records showing illicit movement of funds through corporate accounts linked to the accused.
Observers note that the outcome of the trial will be closely watched, given the high stakes and the prominence of the figures involved. The case also represents a major test of the government’s resolve to tackle financial crimes within the public sector, especially among former ministers and political elites.
Proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court sets a timetable for hearings, witness presentations, and cross examinations.
