EFCC’s N5 Billion Fraud Case Against Ex-Minister Stella Oduah Stalls as AGF Fagbemi Fails to Act, Citing Defendant’s APC Membership

The N5 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former aviation minister Stella Oduah is faltering, as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has reportedly refused to advance the prosecution due to Oduah’s membership in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Court Directive Ignored

According to SaharaReporters, an Abuja court had instructed the AGF in July 2023 to assume control of the case, but Fagbemi has neither filed additional charges nor allowed the EFCC’s original case to proceed.

Sources close to the matter attribute this inaction to political considerations following Oduah’s 2021 defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. At the time of her defection, while serving as senator for Anambra North, APC leaders assured her full protection and privileges as a party member.

“The AGF was asked to take over the case but never filed a new suit or allowed the existing case to move forward, apparently because she joined the APC,” a source told SaharaReporters.

The EFCC’s Allegations

The EFCC’s case, initially filed in 2020 (Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020), accuses Oduah of misappropriating N5 billion in public funds during her tenure as aviation minister.

Since its filing, the case has faced persistent delays. In November 2021, following Oduah’s defection to the APC, arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo was stalled after a letter was submitted by then-AGF Abubakar Malami. Defence counsel Ogwu Onoja (SAN) cited a pending petition to the AGF claiming political persecution against Oduah and her co-defendants, resulting in another adjournment.

Oduah and eight other defendants were ultimately arraigned on July 21, 2023, pleading not guilty to 25 counts, including conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous First Bank accounts. The court granted them bail but directed that the AGF take over the case, ordering EFCC to transfer all case files to the AGF’s office.

Buhari-Era Prosecution Push Undermined

A 2020 panel led by retired Justice Ayo Salami and approved by then-President Muhammadu Buhari had recommended Oduah’s immediate prosecution. However, Malami reportedly obstructed the process, leading to further delays. In May 2022, Oduah’s arraignment was stalled for the sixth time after Malami requested more time to review the case.

Pattern of Corruption Allegations

Oduah’s tenure as aviation minister was marred by multiple corruption allegations. In October 2013, SaharaReporters exposed her role in the controversial purchase of two armoured BMW vehicles worth N255 million, funded through the cash-strapped Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Documents revealed that the NCAA, struggling to maintain operational equipment, was pressured by Oduah to procure the luxury cars. Payments were processed through First Bank to Coscharis Motors, with the transaction fast-tracked in August 2013.

Broader Financial Misconduct

In addition to the BMW scandal, SaharaReporters uncovered that Oduah allegedly bought a $1.2 million London property in 2012 using an offshore company to mask ownership. Furthermore, the Pandora Papers leak exposed her acquisition of multiple London properties through both personal and corporate fronts, including a Seychelles-registered firm, International Trading and Logistics Company Limited (ITCL).

Investigators also allege that Oduah embezzled close to $1 billion via inflated airport refurbishment contracts, resulting in shoddy infrastructure. Reports claim she used the illicit funds to acquire ships and over 150 properties in Lagos.

Political Interference

Sources suggest that senior APC figures, including former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and his deputy Ovie Omo-Agege, actively worked to shield Oduah from prosecution. “There are coordinated efforts by highly placed Nigerians to pressure the AGF, the EFCC chairman, and the court to stall Oduah’s trial,” a source said.

Despite widespread evidence and public outcry, the prosecution continues to face political roadblocks. Observers say this case highlights the persistent challenge of holding politically connected individuals accountable in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.