Oduah, Co-Defendant Seek Plea Bargain in ₦2.5bn Fraud Case

Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and a co-defendant have opened talks to settle a ₦2.5 billion fraud case through a plea bargain at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

During proceedings on Thursday, Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo said both defendants had approached the Attorney-General of the Federation to negotiate terms. He told the court that part of the process includes returning funds believed to have been obtained unlawfully.

According to Oyedepo, discussions have reached the stage of payment confirmation.

“They have made moves to refund 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.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, confirmed that settlement discussions were in progress. Counsel to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also said plea bargain talks were ongoing.

Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter to 26 March for an update on negotiations.

At an earlier sitting on 12 February, Oyedepo said the attempt to reach a plea deal followed Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He asked for more time for either a report on the talks or the beginning of trial if discussions failed.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation arraigned Oduah and Gloria Odita in December 2025 on a five-count charge. Prosecutors said the charges cover fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.

The prosecution alleged that both defendants conspired to obtain ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd using claims authorities described as fraudulent.

Prosecutors further said the alleged offences violate Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, punishable under Section 1(3) of the law.

Both defendants denied wrongdoing and entered not guilty pleas earlier in the case. The court is expected to decide next steps after receiving an update on the proposed plea agreement.