Legal Developments in the Case Involving Former Aviation Minister
A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has initiated efforts to refund part of the alleged N2.4 billion linked to fraud charges filed against her and co-defendant Gloria Odita. This move is part of ongoing settlement discussions with the Federal Government.
The development was disclosed on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo. He informed the court that the defendants had started the process of returning some of the funds to government coffers.
“The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers,” he said, adding that the government was waiting for confirmation of receipt of the bank draft. However, he did not reveal the exact amount refunded.
Defence lawyers Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing Oduah, and Favour Osunaya, representing Odita, confirmed the development but declined to provide further details about the refund. Although both defendants were present in court, they did not address the court directly, leaving their lawyers to speak on their behalf.
Following the submissions, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case until March 26 to receive a progress report.
The latest development comes three weeks after both the prosecution and defence informed the court that the defendants had submitted a plea bargain application to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Oyedepo had earlier told the court that Oduah filed the application in accordance with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which provides for plea bargaining in criminal cases.
He explained that although the matter was scheduled for trial, the AGF received a request from the first defendant seeking discussions toward a possible resolution. Under the ACJA, plea bargaining allows a defendant to negotiate with the prosecution, often agreeing to plead guilty to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for concessions such as a lighter sentence. The law also permits such negotiations where a defendant agrees to return the proceeds of a crime or make restitution.
Oduah and Odita were arraigned in December 2025 on a five-count charge of alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence and criminal breach of trust involving N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Oduah served as Minister of Aviation from 2 July 2011 to 12 February 2014.
Key Points in the Case
- Refund Efforts: The defendants have begun the process of returning some of the funds to the government.
- Legal Proceedings: The case was adjourned until March 26 for a progress report.
- Plea Bargain Application: Both the prosecution and defence informed the court about the submission of a plea bargain application to the AGF.
- ACJA Provisions: The plea bargaining process allows for negotiations between the defendant and the prosecution, potentially leading to reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Arraignment Details: Oduah and Odita were charged with fraud, false pretence, and criminal breach of trust involving N2.4 billion.
