By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and her long time associate, Gloria Odita, before an Abuja High Court over allegations involving the unlawful acquisition and misuse of public funds totalling about N2.4 billion.
The two defendants were brought before the court on a five count charge centred on alleged fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences stem from transactions carried out in 2014 when Oduah served as Minister of Aviation.
Prosecutors informed the court that the defendants, acting through two private companies, were involved in securing payments from the Ministry of Aviation under claims described as technical supervision services and security related logistics. The government alleges that the total sum, calculated at N2,469,030,738.90, was obtained based on representations it considers false.
Both Oduah and Odita pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Following the arraignment, their legal teams moved for bail, with Oduah’s counsel emphasising that she voluntarily returned to the country to honour the court proceedings and had cooperated with previous investigations.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, who led the prosecution team, stated that the government is prepared to open its case once bail applications and other preliminary matters are resolved. The court is expected to rule on the bail requests before fixing dates for witness testimony and presentation of evidence.
The proceeding marks the latest in a series of legal battles linked to Oduah’s tenure in the aviation sector. Further hearings are expected after the court’s decision on bail conditions.
