The high-profile N5 billion fraud case against former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, has encountered significant delays, raising concerns over the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi’s handling of the matter.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initiated legal proceedings against Oduah and several co-defendants, including Chinese construction giant CCECC, over alleged financial misconduct. However, despite a court order directing the AGF’s office to take over the case, progress has stalled.
During a recent hearing, Chief State Counsel David Kaswe informed the court that while the AGF had formally taken over the case, the EFCC had yet to release the necessary case files, preventing the commencement of trial proceedings. Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the matter, reminded the AGF’s office that compliance with the court’s directive was mandatory and did not require additional correspondence with the EFCC.
The delay has sparked speculation regarding the political implications of the case, particularly in light of Oduah’s affiliation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Critics argue that the lack of decisive action from the AGF’s office raises questions about the impartiality of the prosecution fight against corruption in Nigeria.