304
By Lizzy Chirkpi
An Abuja High Court on Thursday adjourned the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, over an alleged ₦2.4 billion fraud to March 5, 2026.
Justice Hamza Muazu postponed proceedings following an update by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that Oduah had filed an application before the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
According to Oyedepo, the request was made pursuant to Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and discussions were currently underway regarding the application.
He asked the court for a definite date either for a report on the outcome of the discussions or for continuation of trial.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tobechukwu Michael, confirmed the prosecution’s submission, while counsel to the second defendant, Wale Balogun also aligned with the position.
Oduah is standing trial alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in January 2014 to fraudulently obtain a total of ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd.
According to the charge, the duo “agreed amongst themselves to obtain a sum of Two Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Nine Kobo (₦2,469,030,738.90) by false pretence.”
“Pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,’ which representation you knew to be false,” the charge stated.
The alleged offences are said to contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.
The Federal Government further accused the defendants of obtaining ₦839,780,738.90 on January 13, 2014, under the pretext that it was payment for “Cost of Technical Supervision.”
In another count, prosecutors alleged that on February 12, 2014, the defendants collected ₦1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd, claiming it was for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” a representation described as false.
Counts four and five allege that Oduah, while serving as minister, dishonestly misappropriated the same sums meant for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd.
The charge reads that she “dishonestly misappropriated the sum by authorising the transfer of the said sum, which act is a breach of your official trust,” contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.