On Wednesday, the Federal Government brought former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory facing N5 billion corruption allegations.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, initiated the trial against her on five counts related to advance fee fraud and conspiracy.
Among the charges, Stella Oduah is accused of fraudulently obtaining N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources, claiming it was for technical supervision costs. This alleged fraudulent activity reportedly took place in January 2014.
In another charge, she is said to have received N1.6 billion and an additional N839 million through similar fraudulent means, violating Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act. The former minister, who appeared in court alongside another accused individual, has denied all charges.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted her bail on self-recognisance but mandated that she surrender her travel passport to the court and refrain from leaving Nigeria without prior court approval.
During the arraignment, the former minister was represented by legal expert Onyechi Ikpeazu.