The N5 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, appears to have hit a dead end following the reported inaction of Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi.
In July 2023, an Abuja Federal High Court ordered the AGF to take over the case from the EFCC. However, nearly a year later, no new legal steps have been taken, and the matter has stalled. Sources familiar with the case believe this may be linked to Oduah’s political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A legal insider who requested anonymity said, “The AGF was asked to take over the case, but he never filed fresh charges or allowed the EFCC’s case to move forward, apparently because she joined the APC.”
Oduah, a former Senator for Anambra North, joined the APC in August 2021, stating her decision was aimed at “reshaping the political narrative in the South East.” Party leaders reportedly assured her of full rights and protections as a member.
The EFCC had initially filed a 25-count charge against Oduah and eight others in 2020 under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020, alleging misappropriation of N5 billion during her time as minister. While arraignment dates were fixed multiple times between 2021 and 2023, proceedings were consistently postponed.
In one notable instance, a November 2021 court appearance was delayed after a letter from then-AGF Abubakar Malami halted proceedings. Defence counsel Ogwu Onoja (SAN) told the court that a petition had been submitted to the AGF alleging persecution of Oduah and the other defendants.
“The AGF requested the case file, but up till now, the EFCC has refused to release it,” Onoja argued in court at the time.
Following continued delays, Oduah and her co-defendants were eventually arraigned in July 2023 before Justice Inyang Ekwo. All pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and operating anonymous bank accounts. They were granted bail and the court instructed the AGF to take full control of the prosecution.
Meanwhile, EFCC records and earlier investigations detail multiple allegations of corruption during Oduah’s tenure, including the controversial N255 million purchase of two bulletproof BMW cars in 2013. Officials at the time accused Oduah of prioritizing luxury over aviation safety.
It had also previously been revealed how a 2020 panel led by retired Justice Ayo Salami recommended Oduah’s prosecution, a recommendation reportedly approved by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Yet, efforts were said to have been undermined internally.
In May 2022, EFCC prosecutor Dr. Hassan Liman (SAN) told the court that Malami was still reviewing the facts. Justice Ekwo declined to proceed until a clear directive was issued, stressing, “We cannot embark on a futile trial if the AGF is undecided.”
While these allegations remain unproven in court, critics have raised concerns about selective prosecution and political interference in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
“There are subtle efforts from some senior APC leaders to frustrate this case,” a source close to the case toldReporters. “The case risks being buried unless political interests are removed from the judicial process.”
Despite the accusations, Oduah remains innocent until proven guilty in court. With mounting pressure on the AGF’s office to act, stakeholders are watching to see whether the government will continue the trial or let it fade into silence.
