The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Stella Adaeze Oduah and a co-defendant, Gloria Odita, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on charges over an alleged ₦2.469 billion fraud.
Prosecutors told the court the two women conspired in January 2014 to obtain the money from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd, falsely claiming it was for “Cost of Technical Supervision” and “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services.”
The five-count charge sheet says the sums were obtained by false pretence and that Oduah, as minister, dishonestly authorised transfers meant for a contractor. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Oduah’s lead lawyer, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the court his client had flown in voluntarily from the United States to answer the summons and asked for bail on self-recognition.
“She has voluntarily flown in from the United States to honour the court summons, and has been on administrative bail with the EFCC,” he said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who appeared for the prosecution, “said the government was not opposed to bail.”
Justice Hamza Muazu granted bail on self-recognition but ordered that the defendants deposit their passports with the court and not travel without permission.
“If you make a case for permission to travel, when you are able to satisfy the court,” he said, and fixed February 12–13, 2026 for the trial to begin.
Oduah has faced earlier corruption-related prosecutions.
