Stella Oduah Enters Plea Bargain Deal in N2.5bn Fraud Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday heard that former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and a co‑defendant, Gloria Odita, have opted for a plea bargain agreement in their N2.5 billion fraud trial before Justice Hamza Muazu. The announcement was made in court when the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendants had approached the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking to enter a plea bargain under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Oyedepo told the court: “They have made moves to refund a certain amount of money into the government coffers. What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.” Defence counsel to both defendants confirmed the development in open court: Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, for Oduah, and Favour Osuanya for Gloria Odita each affirmed the parties’ intention to settle the matter through plea negotiation. After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26, 2026, for parties to report the outcome of the plea bargain discussions and for the court to consider whether to adopt the terms.

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Oduah and Odita were arraigned in December 2025 by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on a five‑count charge relating to alleged criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence and conspiracy to commit fraud. The prosecution alleged that the duo 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 — via alleged fraudulent claims. According to court documents, the funds were purportedly diverted under the guise of procurement contracts, allowances and miscellaneous expenses, but were alleged to have been paid without proper documentation or due process. The EFCC had earlier explained that the charges stemmed from investigations showing that payments were made to the companies controlled by the defendants without due diligence or official approval, circumstances the prosecution said amounted to economic crimes punishable under Nigerian law.

A plea bargain is a legal arrangement under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows a defendant to acknowledge part or all of a charge in return for reduced penalties, fines, restitution or modified counts. By entering into the plea negotiation, the defendants are effectively agreeing to work with the AGF and prosecution team to settle the matter outside a full trial, subject to court approval of the agreed terms, including possible refund of funds and other conditions. Legal experts say that a plea bargain in high‑profile corruption cases is intended to reduce litigation time, secure restitution for recovered funds, and expedite resolution, even though it sometimes draws public debate about accountability and justice in corruption cases.

At the March 26 sitting, the court is expected to review the terms of the plea bargain, including confirmation that refunded funds have been received by the government, and determine whether the arrangement is fair, just and in line with the ACJA. Until then, the criminal prosecution will remain in suspense as both parties finalise the negotiated settlement.

Stella Oduah Enters Plea Bargain Deal in N2.5bn Fraud Case

Police Announce Dates, Requirements for 2026 Constable Recruitment Screening

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that the physical and credential screening exercise for applicants seeking recruitment as police constables will commence on March 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.

In a statement issued by the Sokoto State Police Command, the screening exercise will run from March 9 to April 18, 2026, at the Command Headquarters on Gwandu Road, Sokoto, beginning 7:00 a.m. daily.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmad Rufa’i, advised applicants who completed the online registration to log in to the official recruitment portal to confirm their application status and print the required documents ahead of the screening.

According to the command, candidates must report strictly on the date indicated on their invitation slip and come with all the required documents neatly arranged in two white flat files.

The documents include the application submission slip, physical screening form, invitation slip, credential screening form, National Identity Number (NIN) printout, O’Level certificate, birth certificate or declaration of age, and certificate of local government or state of origin.

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Applicants are also expected to present both original copies and photocopies of their credentials, while specialist applicants must provide trade test certificates where applicable.

In addition, candidates must submit a completed guarantors’ form with passport photographs of their referees, as part of the verification process during the credential screening exercise.

The command further directed applicants to appear at the venue wearing white canvas shoes, white T-shirts, white shorts, and white stockings, warning that those who fail to comply with the dress code or do not present the required documents may not be allowed to participate in the screening.

The exercise is part of the nationwide recruitment drive for 50,000 police constables, being conducted in collaboration with the Police Service Commission, aimed at boosting manpower and strengthening security operations across Nigeria.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Ahmed Musa, reiterated that the Nigeria Police recruitment process is completely free, urging applicants to avoid fraudsters or anyone requesting money in connection with the exercise.

He also called on candidates to cooperate with officials and ensure proper preparation to enable a smooth, transparent, and orderly screening process.

Police Announce Dates, Requirements for 2026 Constable Recruitment Screening

Court Discharges Abba Kyari, Brothers in NDLEA Non-Disclosure of Assets Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers over allegations of non-disclosure of assets filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case after ruling that the anti-narcotics agency failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt, as required under criminal law.

The judge held that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, adding that the NDLEA did not provide sufficient evidence linking the properties and funds mentioned in the charge to the defendants. Justice Omotosho also described the case as “persecution rather than prosecution,” before formally discharging and acquitting Abba Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, of all charges.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, was filed by the NDLEA against Kyari, a former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), alongside his brothers on allegations bordering on failure to declare assets, disguising ownership of properties and conversion of funds.

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According to the anti-narcotics agency, investigations uncovered 14 assets allegedly linked to Kyari, including shopping malls, residential estates, parcels of land, farmland and a polo playground located in Abuja and Maiduguri, Borno State.

The NDLEA further alleged that more than ₦207 million and €17,598 were discovered in various bank accounts linked to Kyari in Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank.

The agency argued that the properties and funds were not fully disclosed by Kyari in his asset declaration, and also accused the defendants of disguising ownership of the assets.

However, during the trial, Kyari and his brothers pleaded not guilty to the 23-count charge, insisting that the allegations were unfounded.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho emphasized that criminal charges must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence, adding that the prosecution failed to establish ownership of the properties through legal documents such as title deeds or other admissible proof.

The NDLEA had charged the defendants under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, which deal with asset concealment and illicit financial transactions.

Legal analysts say the judgment marks a significant development in the legal battles involving the suspended police officer, who rose to national prominence during his time leading the Police Intelligence Response Team.

Despite the acquittal in the asset non-declaration case, Kyari still faces separate criminal proceedings relating to alleged drug-related offences, which are currently pending before another court.

The ruling effectively brings an end to the NDLEA’s asset declaration case filed in 2022 against the embattled police officer and his brothers.

Court Discharges Abba Kyari, Brothers in NDLEA Non-Disclosure of Assets Case