Oduah Initiates Refund in N2.5bn Fraud Plea Bargain

Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, are advancing plea bargain negotiations in their ongoing N2.5 billion fraud trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. During Thursday’s proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Hamza Muazu that the defendants have initiated refunds of alleged looted funds to the government, with only confirmation of a bank draft receipt pending.

Oduah’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Osuanya Favour, representing Odita, confirmed the ongoing discussions under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows for such settlements including restitution. The court adjourned the matter to March 26 for a status update on the agreement, whose exact terms—whether a guilty plea for reduced charges or full withdrawal—remain undisclosed.

Case Background

The AGF’s office arraigned Oduah and Odita on December 10, 2025, on five counts of fraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and criminal breach of trust related to N2.5 billion (sometimes reported as N2.4 billion) allegedly obtained in January 2014 from the Ministry of Aviation via companies like Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd. The charges claim the funds were misrepresented as payments for “technical supervision and security integrated logistics support services,” violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

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Both defendants, who pleaded not guilty initially, had first notified the court of their AGF application on February 12, marking three weeks before Thursday’s refund disclosure. Oduah, who served as minister from 2011 to 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan and later as Anambra North Senator until 2023, faces a separate N5 billion money laundering trial with Odita.

Plea Bargain Implications

Plea bargaining under ACJA enables defendants to plead to lesser charges or return proceeds in exchange for concessions, potentially avoiding full trials. While refund amounts were not specified, this development signals progress toward resolution, pending government verification. The case underscores ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting high-profile figures from past administrations.