Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah has entered a plea bargain in her ₦2.5bn fraud case, beginning the process of refunding alleged looted funds to the Federal Government
₦2.5bn Fraud Case: Stella Oduah Begins Returning Funds
Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has taken a dramatic turn in her ongoing ₦2.5 billion fraud trial, opting for a plea bargain arrangement and beginning the process of refunding part of the alleged proceeds to the Federal Government.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), revealed that Oduah and her co-defendant had approached the Attorney-General’s office to negotiate a deal.
“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,” Oyedepo told the court.
Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), confirmed the development, while Favour Osuanya, representing the second defendant, also affirmed that discussions for a plea bargain were ongoing.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26 to receive a report on the plea bargain agreement.
Earlier, on February 12, Oyedepo had informed the court that the plea bargain application was made under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, noting that negotiations were still in progress.
Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to obtain about ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under fraudulent claims.
The offences, according to prosecutors, contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. Both defendants pleaded not guilty at arraignment.
With the plea bargain now in motion, the case has shifted from a potentially lengthy trial to a settlement path that could see Oduah return significant sums to the government. Whether this marks the beginning of accountability or simply a negotiated escape from harsher penalties remains to be seen.
