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Former minister, Stella Oduah moves for plea deal in ongoing N2.5bn fraud trial in Abuja.
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Prosecution says defendants ready to refund part of the money to government coffers.
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Court adjourns case to March 26 for update on plea bargain agreement.
Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and a co-defendant have opted for a plea bargain in their ongoing N2.5 billion fraud trial before an Abuja High Court.
The move was disclosed on Thursday when the case came up for hearing.
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Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the defendants had approached the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation seeking a plea bargain arrangement.
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According to him, the defendants had begun steps to refund part of the money involved in the case, noting that the government was yet to confirm receipt of the bank draft.
Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, confirmed the development before the court, while Favour Osuanya, who represents the second defendant, also affirmed that discussions on the plea bargain were ongoing.
Following submissions from both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26 for a report on the plea bargain agreement.
Earlier, the prosecution informed the court that the plea bargain request was made under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
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 about N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies—Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd—under what it described as fraudulent claims.
The alleged offence contravenes Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, which is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Act. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.