FG Arraigns Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah on ₦2.4bn Fraud Charges
The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja, on allegations of fraud and breach of trust.
Oduah was arraigned alongside Gloria Odita on a five‑count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
The prosecution alleged that in 2014, the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd.
– Count One accuses them of falsely representing the sums as payments for “Cost of Technical Supervision” and “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”
– Count Two alleges they obtained ₦839,780,738.90 under similar pretence.
– Count Three claims they secured ₦1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd under false representation.
– Counts Four and Five charge Oduah, as minister, with dishonest misappropriation of funds earmarked for a contract awarded to 1‑Sec Security Nigeria Ltd, in violation of Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, punishable under Section 1(3).
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), appearing for Oduah, urged the court to grant bail on self‑recognisance, stressing her voluntary return from the United States to honour the summons and her prior administrative bail from the EFCC. Mr. Wale Balogun (SAN) represented Odita.
The Attorney‑General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), appearing personally for the prosecution, did not oppose bail but requested that the defendants surrender their travel documents to the court.
In a bench ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu granted bail as prayed, directing that travel documents remain in court custody and may only be released upon convincing application. The matter was adjourned to 12 and 13 February 2026 for trial.
