The Federal Government has taken former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, to court over allegations that she illegally acquired billions of naira through fraudulent claims during her tenure in office, marking a significant development in one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption cases involving public funds.
Oduah appeared alongside her associate and co-defendant, Gloria Odita, to respond to multiple accusations of financial misconduct and abuse of public trust.
Both women were arraigned before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, where prosecutors laid out a detailed breakdown of transactions reportedly carried out through two private companies.
The government maintains that these financial movements were disguised as contractual payments but were instead used for unauthorised purposes.
Court filings indicate that the alleged crimes date back to January and February 2014, when the defendants were said to have coordinated with Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited to secure N2.469 billion from the Ministry of Aviation under the guise of technical supervision and security logistics services.
A portion of the funds, N839.7 million, was allegedly withdrawn under claims of providing supervisory services. In a separate transaction, prosecutors say N1.629 billion was funnelled through Global Offshore Marine Limited under the pretext of delivering security logistics.
Prosecutors further argue that the funds were never applied as claimed and were instead redirected, which they insist constitutes a criminal breach of trust.
A senior litigation officer familiar with the proceedings stated, “These financial transactions did not align with the intended purpose and were handled in ways that violated the principles of accountability expected of public office.”
While reading the charges, the prosecution referenced violations of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and Penal Code provisions relating to dishonest misappropriation of public funds. The offences, if proven, carry severe penalties under Nigerian law.
However, the defence strongly countered the allegations. Speaking for Oduah, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) argued that the former minister’s conduct demonstrated transparency, noting that she returned from the United States voluntarily to answer the court summons.
“My client has nothing to hide. Her appearance today confirms her readiness to defend her name,” Ikpeazu submitted.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, appeared in court to lead the prosecution and confirmed the government had no objection to bail.
He urged the court to maintain strict timelines, emphasising that the defendants had been formally notified months earlier.
Justice Muazu approved bail for Oduah on self-recognition and instructed both defendants to surrender their passports to the court registry. The judge fixed February 12 and 13, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as it touches on accountability, governance, and financial transparency within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially regarding the oversight of public funds earmarked for national development.