In a startling development, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has reportedly undermined a major corruption case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former aviation minister, Stella Oduah. Sources close to the matter suggest the N5 billion fraud case has been compromised, primarily due to Oduah’s alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
AGF Failed to Pursue Court-Ordered Prosecution
According to insiders, despite a direct order by the Federal High Court in Abuja in July 2023 instructing the AGF’s office to assume control of the case, the Justice Ministry made no tangible moves to prosecute or continue the trial. Instead, the case has stalled under AGF Fagbemi’s watch, raising questions about political interference and selective justice.
Sources disclosed that Oduah’s 2021 defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC played a decisive role in how her case was treated. When she switched political allegiances while serving as a senator representing Anambra North, APC officials welcomed her with assurances of full integration into the party, which seemingly included protection from legal scrutiny.
“The AGF never filed a fresh charge or allowed EFCC to continue the prosecution. Everything just went quiet after she joined the APC,” a legal source familiar with the situation revealed.
EFCC’s Corruption Case: Years of Delays
The EFCC initially filed the case—numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020—in 2020, accusing Oduah and her co-defendants of embezzling over N5 billion during her tenure as aviation minister. Despite the gravity of the charges, including conspiracy, money laundering, and operation of undisclosed accounts, the case encountered persistent setbacks.
In November 2021, shortly after Oduah’s APC defection, her planned arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo was postponed following a letter submitted by the then-AGF, Abubakar Malami. Her counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), claimed a petition sent to the AGF alleged political persecution, prompting Malami to request the case file—a request EFCC reportedly ignored.
This led to an indefinite adjournment of the proceedings.
Buhari-Era Panel Approved Prosecution
Back in July 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari established a judicial panel led by retired Justice Ayo Salami. The panel strongly recommended the immediate prosecution of Stella Oduah after uncovering overwhelming evidence of financial impropriety. Buhari approved the recommendation, but the AGF at the time, Abubakar Malami, failed to act decisively.
In May 2022, for the sixth time, Oduah’s arraignment on money laundering charges failed to proceed. Although all defendants appeared in court, Justice Ekwo insisted on receiving an unambiguous directive from Malami before going forward—delays that eventually rendered the case stagnant.
2023 Arraignment and Bail
Eventually, on July 21, 2023, Stella Oduah and eight co-defendants were formally arraigned. The EFCC charged them with 25 counts involving N5 billion in fraud. The co-accused included Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, and corporate entities like Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd.
All pleaded not guilty and secured bail, but the court immediately questioned the prosecution about alleged threats received from unnamed individuals. Justice Ekwo instructed EFCC to identify those behind the threats before trial could proceed, further dragging the case.
He also ordered that the AGF officially take over the case, instructing the EFCC to submit all documents to the Justice Ministry—a move that has since resulted in total silence.
Lavish Spending, BMW Scandal, and Mismanaged Contracts
Stella Oduah’s controversial record as Aviation Minister first drew public ire in 2013 when SaharaReporters published detailed evidence of her misuse of public funds. One of the most glaring scandals involved the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which she pressured to purchase two armored BMW 760 Li vehicles for N255 million, despite the agency’s dire financial state.
The NCAA approved and processed the purchase through First Bank of Nigeria and Coscharis Motors, delivering the luxury vehicles within three days. The cars, each priced at N127.6 million, were significantly overpriced compared to international market rates.
While aviation workers lacked training, critical equipment, and adequate infrastructure, Oduah prioritized personal comfort, allegedly insisting on the BMWs despite NCAA’s budgetary struggles.
Multiple Investigations and International Exposure
Following several air disasters under Oduah’s watch, further investigations exposed systemic corruption within the aviation ministry. Revelations included inflated contracts for airport renovation, many of which were either abandoned or poorly executed.
In 2017, Oduah was again in the spotlight after SaharaReporters exposed her secret purchase of a $1.2 million London home. Using Adriatic Land 4 Limited, a Guernsey-registered shell company, she acquired the property in 2012 while still serving as minister. Her attempt to rent out the home later unintentionally unveiled her ownership, linking her directly to the illicit asset.
Additionally, sources revealed that APC heavyweights—former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege—actively lobbied to suppress her prosecution. These senior party figures allegedly pressured the AGF, EFCC leadership, and even presiding judges to derail justice.
“This coordinated effort to shield Oduah from accountability was perfected by powerful individuals within the APC hierarchy,” a source told SaharaReporters.
Pandora Papers: Hidden Assets Worth Billions
Further damning evidence emerged in the Pandora Papers leak, which exposed Oduah’s sprawling offshore portfolio. Between October 2012 and August 2013, she used a Seychelles-based company—International Trading and Logistics Company Limited (ITCL)—to secretly buy at least four London properties valued at £6.7 million (roughly N5.2 billion at current black-market rates).
According to UK Land Registry data, Oduah directly or indirectly controlled several luxury properties under her name, through Nigerian firms, or ITCL. Investigators found that the purchases took place while she held office, suggesting misuse of public resources to fund the acquisitions.
Sources also alleged that Oduah invested stolen funds in maritime assets and real estate, reportedly owning up to 150 properties in Lagos alone.
A Pattern of Political Protection?
The repeated stalling of legal proceedings against Stella Oduah raises grave concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption. Despite multiple scandals, public outcry, and formal investigations recommending prosecution, Oduah has consistently evaded accountability.
Critics argue that her political ties to the ruling APC have effectively granted her immunity. The unwillingness of both past and present attorneys-general to vigorously prosecute the case underscores the deeply entrenched culture of impunity among Nigeria’s political elite.
As the EFCC remains sidelined and the Justice Ministry refuses to act, questions abound: Is Nigeria’s justice system truly independent? Or is it merely a tool used selectively against political opponents?
The fate of the N5 billion corruption suit against Stella Oduah might provide the answer.
