Ex. Minister Stella Oduah, Co-Defendant Seek Plea Bargain in ₦2.5bn Fraud Case

By Paul Joseph

Former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and a co-defendant facing allegations of ₦2.5 billion fraud have initiated a plea bargain process with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation at the Abuja High Court.

During proceedings on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendants had approached the Attorney General seeking a plea agreement.

According to him, the defendants had already taken steps toward restitution.

“They have taken steps to return a specific amount of money to the government. What remains is the confirmation of the bank draft receipt by the government,” Oyedepo told the court.

Counsel to the former minister, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed the prosecution’s statement, indicating that discussions on the plea arrangement were ongoing.

Similarly, Favour Osuanya, who represents the second defendant, also affirmed that the parties were pursuing a plea bargain.

Following the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26 to allow time for confirmation of the bank draft and an update on the plea negotiations.

Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, deception, and criminal breach of trust.

The case was filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which accused the defendants of conspiring to fraudulently obtain about ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Prosecutors allege the funds were acquired through two companies — Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, specifically Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a), which are punishable under Section 1(3) of the law.

Despite the ongoing plea negotiations, both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, Oyedepo had informed the court that the application for plea bargaining was filed in accordance with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows defendants and prosecutors to negotiate settlement terms in criminal proceedings.

The court is expected to receive an update on the plea agreement when the case resumes later this month.