Oduah opts for plea bargain as ₦2.5bn fraud trial takes new turn

Former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah has taken a significant step toward resolving her ongoing criminal trial, signalling her willingness to settle a ₦2.5 billion fraud case through a plea bargain arrangement with the Federal Government.

The development came to light on Thursday during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that Oduah and her co-defendant had approached the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate negotiations.

Oyedepo told the court that the defendants had already begun the process of refunding part of the alleged proceeds to the Federal Government. “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.

Oduah’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), confirmed the development, while Favour Osuanya, representing the second defendant, also affirmed that discussions for a plea bargain were ongoing. The prosecution had earlier noted, on February 12, that the application was being pursued in line with the provisions of Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

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

Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a five-count charge that includes fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to obtain approximately ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies — Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd — under what the government described as fraudulent claims. The alleged offences are said to contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same legislation.

Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges. 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.