Finally, EFCC arraigns Oduah over ‘N5bn fraud’ — 3 years after charge was filed

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Stella Oduah, former aviation minister, over allegations of fraud.

The EFCC alleged that Oduah misappropriated public funds estimated at N5 billion while serving as minister.

The charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020 was first filed in 2020.

Although the case came up for arraignment numerous times between 2021 and 2023, it was stalled for several reasons.

Oduah and eight others were arraigned on Friday before Inyang Ekwo, an Abuja federal high court judge.

Other defendants are Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd.

Upon arraignment, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 25-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous accounts with First Bank Plc.