Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and a co-defendant have begun negotiations for a plea bargain in the alleged N2.5 billion fraud case filed against them at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the defendants had approached the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to negotiate a settlement under the law.
Oyedepo explained that the process had already begun and that part of the allegedly misappropriated funds was being returned to the Federal Government.
“They have made moves to refund a certain amount of money into the government coffers. What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government,” he said.
Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed that discussions for a plea bargain are underway. Counsel for the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also told the court that negotiations were ongoing.
Following the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until March 26 to receive a progress report on the proposed agreement.
Alleged N2.4bn Fraud
The prosecution had earlier informed the court that the plea bargain application was filed under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge including fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to obtain about N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies, Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under what authorities described as fraudulent claims.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, which prescribes penalties under Section 1(3) of the law.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
The court is expected to decide the next step after reviewing the report on the plea bargain negotiations later this month.
