Ex-Aviation Minister Oduah Faces Fresh Trial for Alleged N7.9bn Embezzlement

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made a significant move in its fight against corruption as it arraigned the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 25-count charge.

The case, bearing file number FHC/ABJ/CR/316/20, involves accusations of money laundering and the alleged embezzlement of approximately 7.9 billion Naira in collusion with eight co-defendants.

Among those facing trial alongside Oduah are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, and Sobora International Ltd. All the defendants, who appeared before trial Justice Inyang Ekwo, pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them in the open court.

The EFCC’s accusations include claims that Senator Stella Oduah, during her tenure as Aviation Minister from 2011 to 2014, along with Odita, who was identified as her aide and Company Secretary to Sea Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd (SPGC), allegedly facilitated the transfer of N1,629,250,000.00 from I-Sec Security Nig. Ltd account No. 2021756955 with First Bank Plc to Global Offshore and Marine Ltd account No. 2022977296, both accounts domiciled with First Bank Plc. The EFCC contends that they should have reasonably known that this money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

Additionally, the defendants are accused of operating a naira “anonymous Private Banking Nominee Account No. 2024414450 with First Bank Plc,” and a United States dollar “anonymous Private Banking Nominee account No. 2024414498 with First Bank Plc.” These actions allegedly contravene Section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (As Amended) and are punishable under Section 11(4) (a) of the same Act.

Despite the gravity of the charges brought against them, the defendants maintained their innocence, leading Trial Justice Ekwo to grant them administrative bail, which had previously been given by the EFCC. The court has directed the EFCC to transfer the case file to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure a thorough and diligent prosecution.

This case has a history dating back to 2020 when the charges were initially filed. However, the trial was postponed due to a petition addressed to the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, by the defendants. Malami’s intervention led to the delay in the trial. Nonetheless, the EFCC received the green light from Malami to proceed with the trial, leading to the recent court arraignment.

As the trial proceeds, the nation’s attention remains fixed on the outcome, eager to see justice served in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases. The EFCC’s dedication to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within the political sphere is underscored by its efforts in bringing those accused of corrupt practices to justice, regardless of their standing in society or politics.