A former Aviation Minister and several others appeared in court this week on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The former minister, Stella Oduah, her former aide Gloria Odita, and seven associates faced 25 counts relating to conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts containing around 5 billion naira.

After the defendants entered their plea, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the Attorney General to take over the case from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge directed the EFCC to transfer the case file within two weeks.

While upholding existing bail conditions, Justice Ekwo stated that the terms must be provided to the Attorney General. The case was then adjourned until October 17th for trial to commence.

The former minister and her associates were allowed to maintain their administrative bail from the EFCC pending trial. If found guilty, the defendants face lengthy jail terms for these white-collar crimes.

This high-profile fraud case continues to make its way through the legal system. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of the government’s resolve to crack down on corruption among political elites.