Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and Co-Defendant Begin Refunding Alleged ₦2.4bn Fraud Proceeds, Court Hears

Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and her co-defendant Gloria Odita have commenced repayment of proceeds linked to a ₦2.4 billion fraud case, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama yesterday.

Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), made the disclosure during the resumed hearing before Justice Hamza Muazu. He stated that the defendants had “made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers.” He did not specify the exact sum refunded so far, only noting that the remaining step is confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and counsel to Odita, Favour Osunaya, confirmed the refunds were underway. Neither lawyer disclosed the amount involved, and the defendants present in court also remained silent on the matter.

Following submissions from all parties, Justice Muazu adjourned the case to March 26, 2026, for a report on progress in the ongoing plea bargain negotiations. The adjournment allows time for the parties to conclude discussions and update the court on whether a plea agreement has been reached or if a full trial will proceed.

The development follows an earlier hearing on February 12, 2026, when Oyedepo informed the court that the defendants had approached the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to explore a possible plea bargain. He said the defendants filed an application under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which provides for plea bargaining in criminal cases.

Oyedepo then requested an adjournment to enable the parties to hold discussions and report back on progress or indicate readiness for trial. The court granted the request, setting the stage for the update.

The case centres on allegations of fraud involving ₦2.4 billion (initially reported as ₦2.5 billion in some accounts) during Oduah’s tenure as Aviation Minister. The defendants have denied the charges, and the matter has been in court for several months.

Plea bargaining under ACJA allows defendants to negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or lighter sentences in exchange for guilty pleas, restitution, or cooperation. If successful, it could lead to resolution without a full trial; otherwise, the case will proceed to hearing of evidence.

Justice Muazu has urged all parties to expedite discussions in the interest of justice. The next sitting on March 26 will determine whether plea bargain talks have concluded or if the matter will move to substantive trial.