N2.4bn fraud: Stella Oduah seeks plea bargain in court

A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and her co-defendant have opted for a plea bargain arrangement in their ongoing trial over an alleged N2.4 billion fraud before an Abuja High Court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, who led the prosecution team, informed the court on Thursday that the defendants had approached the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking a plea bargain.

According to him, the defendants had already taken steps toward refunding part of the money involved in the case.

“They have made moves to refund certain amounts of money into 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), as well as counsel to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, confirmed the development before the court.

Following the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26 to receive a report on the plea bargain agreement.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the prosecution had earlier informed the court on February 12 that the plea bargain application was made in accordance with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to obtain about N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation Nigeria through two companies—Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd—using alleged fraudulent claims.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the Act.

Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.