ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a significant shift in one of the nation's most high-profile corruption cases, the former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has opted to negotiate a plea bargain with the Federal Government over allegations of a ₦2.5 billion fraud. During the resumed hearing at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the prosecution confirmed that Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, have already begun returning part of the allegedly misappropriated funds.
The Negotiation and Refund The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the defendants reached out to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to initiate discussions under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. This provision allows defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges or make restitution in exchange for a lighter sentence or the withdrawal of certain counts.
"The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers," Oyedepo stated. While the specific amount returned so far remains confidential, the prosecution noted that the government is currently awaiting official bank draft confirmations to verify the deposits. Both Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing Oduah, and Favour Osunaya, representing Odita, confirmed that settlement talks are actively ongoing and that their clients are committed to the process.
Background of the Allegations The case dates back to Oduah's tenure as Minister of Aviation between 2011 and 2014. She was arraigned in December 2025 on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. The prosecution alleged that the duo fraudulently obtained approximately ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Ministry of Aviation under the guise of "technical supervision" and "security integrated and logistics support services" through private companies.
Specifically, the charges state that in early 2014, the defendants facilitated the transfer of these funds into accounts linked to Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd. These actions were described by the prosecution as a "dishonest misappropriation" of public funds, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
Court Adjournment and Next Steps Following the confirmation of the refund process and the ongoing plea bargain talks, the presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter until March 26, 2026. The court expects to receive a comprehensive progress report on the settlement at that time.
This development is seen by legal analysts as a major victory for the federal government's "recovery-first" approach to anti-corruption, prioritizing the return of looted assets over lengthy and uncertain trial processes. As the March 26 deadline approaches, the public remains eager to learn the total sum of the restitution and the final terms of the agreement that will determine the legal fate of the former senator and minister.
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