N2.5bn fraud: Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah offers to return allegedly stolen fund

A former aviation minister in Nigeria, Stella Oduah, and a co-defendant have signalled their intention to settle a ₦2.5 billion fraud case through a plea bargain arrangement before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

During proceedings on Thursday, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that both defendants had approached the Attorney-General of the Federation to negotiate a plea agreement.

According to him, part of the arrangement invOOduaolves refunding funds believed to have been obtained unlawfully.

“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 prosecution’s statement, noting that discussions around the proposed settlement were ongoing.

Lawyer to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also acknowledged that negotiations for a plea deal were underway.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until 26 March for an update on the progress of the plea bargain.

Earlier, on 12 February, Oyedepo had told the court that the move for a plea agreement was made in accordance with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He added that consultations between the parties were still in progress and requested time either for a report on the negotiations or for the commencement of trial.

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

Prosecutors allege that the two defendants conspired to obtain ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd, based on what authorities describe as fraudulent claims.

The prosecution further said the alleged offences contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.

Both defendants have denied the allegations and earlier entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

N2.5bn fraud: Former Aviation Minister offers to return allegedly stolen fund