The Federal Government on Wednesday brought former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before an Abuja High Court to face corruption charges totalling N5 billion.
Oduah was arraigned by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on a five-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud and conspiracy.
According to the charge sheet, the former minister allegedly obtained N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation in January 2014 through a company, Broad Waters Resources, under the false claim that the funds were for “technical supervision.”
She was also accused of receiving an additional N1.6 billion and another N839 million through similar alleged fraudulent representations, in violation of Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
Oduah, arraigned alongside one other defendant, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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Justice Hamza Muazu granted her bail on self-recognisance but directed her to deposit her international passport with the court.
She is barred from leaving the country without prior permission.
Her legal team was led by prominent defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN.