ABUJA: A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and a co-defendant standing trial over an alleged N2.4 billion fraud on Thursday opted for a plea bargain before an Abuja High Court.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo, who led the prosecution team, informed the court that the defendants had approached the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) seeking a plea bargain arrangement.
“They have made moves to refund certain amounts 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 development, while Favour Osuanya, counsel to the second defendant, also affirmed that discussions on the plea deal were ongoing.
Following submissions by counsel, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26 for a report on the plea bargain agreement.
Earlier, on February 12, 2026, Oyedepo had informed the court that the application for plea bargain was made in line 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 by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to obtain N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under allegedly fraudulent claims.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravenes Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and is punishable under Section 1(3).
Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
