A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and a co-defendant have opted for a plea bargain in their ongoing N2.5 billion fraud trial before an Abuja High Court.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo, who led the prosecution team, informed the court on Thursday that the defendants had approached the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking a plea bargain arrangement.
According to him, the defendants had already begun steps to refund part of the money allegedly involved in the case.
“They have made moves to refund certain amounts of money into the government coffers. What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government,” Oyedepo told the court.
Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed the development, noting that discussions toward the plea agreement were ongoing.
Counsel for the second defendant, Gloria Odita, Favour Osuanya, also confirmed the move to the court.
After listening to both parties, the presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case until March 26 for a report on the plea bargain agreement.
During an earlier sitting on February 12, Oyedepo had informed the court that the plea bargain application was made in accordance with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to obtain about N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under alleged fraudulent claims.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravenes Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
