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

former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah

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.