Alleged N2.4bn Fraud: Stella Oduah, Co-Defendant Seek Plea Bargain in Abuja Court

A former aviation minister, Stella Oduah, and her co-defendant have applied for a plea bargain in their ongoing fraud trial at the High Court in Abuja over the alleged diversion of N2.4 billion.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court on Thursday that both defendants had approached the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking a negotiated settlement.

According to the prosecution, the defendants have begun steps to refund part of the funds allegedly involved in the case.

“They have made moves to refund certain amounts of money into the government coffers. What remains is confirmation that the bank draft has been received by the government,” Oyedepo said.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed the development in court, while Favour Osuanya, who represents the second defendant, also acknowledged the plea bargain discussions.

Presiding judge Hamza Muazu subsequently adjourned the case until March 26 for a report on the plea bargain agreement.

Earlier, on February 12, the prosecution informed the court that the request for a plea bargain was made under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

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

Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to obtain N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies—Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd—based on claims the government described as fraudulent.

The charges were filed under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which prescribes penalties for offences related to fraudulent financial schemes.

Both defendants previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.