Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has been charged by the Federal Government with eight counts at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing Oduah of various offenses, including falsely claiming to have lost her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The charges, filed on June 26, 2023, allege that Stella Oduah conspired to commit a felony by making a false document titled “Re: Request for National Youth Service Confirmation” and fabricated an incorrect document with the intent to cause injury. She is also accused of forwarding false credentials to the Federal Government, including an affidavit and extract from a police crime diary, claiming that she had lost her NYSC certificate. Additionally, Oduah is accused of retaining salaries and allowances paid by the Federal Government as a Minister and Senator, knowing that they represent proceeds of her unlawful activities. The charges also include obtaining money under false pretenses and committing offenses under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offense Act.
The charges come after the NYSC disclosed in May 2022 that Stella Oduah did not complete the mandatory one-year NYSC program. Oduah had started the program in 1982 but did not complete it, leading to inquiries from concerned stakeholders.
These charges will be addressed in court as the legal proceedings progress.
