Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and a co-defendant have indicated plans to settle a ₦2.5 billion fraud case through a plea bargain before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During proceedings on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendants had approached the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to negotiate a plea agreement.
According to Oyedepo, the proposed arrangement includes refunding money believed to have been unlawfully obtained.
“They have made moves to refund a certain amount of money into the government coffers,” he said.
“What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.”
Defence Confirms Ongoing Negotiations
Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed that discussions regarding the plea deal are ongoing.
The lawyer representing the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also told the court that negotiations toward a plea bargain were underway.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until March 26 for an update on the negotiations.
Charges Against Oduah
Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge filed by the Attorney-General’s office.
The charges include:
- Fraud
- Obtaining money by false pretence
- Criminal breach of trust
Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to obtain ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies:
- Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd
- Global Offshore Marine Ltd
Authorities claim the payments were based on fraudulent claims.
Legal Basis of the Case
The prosecution said the alleged offences violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.
Earlier, Oyedepo told the court that the plea bargain request was made under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which allows negotiated settlements in criminal cases.
Both Oduah and her co-defendant have denied the allegations and had previously pleaded not guilty when the charges were filed.
