A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, was told on Thursday that former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has approached the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for discussions on a possible plea bargain in the criminal case pending against her and a former aide.
Oduah and her ex-aide, Gloria Odita, were on December 10, 2025 arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of about N2.4 billion in public funds. The charge, marked CR/606/2025, was filed on October 14 by the Office of the AGF.
The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed between January and February 2014 while Oduah served as Aviation Minister.
When the matter came up for trial on Thursday, prosecuting counsel and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution had received a formal application from Oduah seeking an opportunity to explore discussions.
Oyedepo said the request was made pursuant to Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which provides for plea bargain arrangements. He urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable parties hold discussions and either report on progress made or proceed with trial.
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Counsel to Oduah and Odita — Tobechukwu Michael (SAN) and Wale Balogun (SAN) — confirmed the development, aligning with the prosecution’s submission.
In view of the parties’ positions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned further proceedings till March 5.
According to the charge, Oduah and Odita allegedly conspired in January 2014 in Abuja to obtain N2,459,030,733.50 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited under the guise of “cost of technical supervision” and “security integrated and logistic support services.”
The prosecution alleged that on January 13, 2014, the defendants obtained N839,780,738.90 through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited’s account with First Bank Plc, purportedly for “cost of technical supervision.”
They were further accused of obtaining N1,629,250,000 on February 12, 2014 through Global Offshore Marine Limited’s account with First Bank Plc, allegedly for “security integrated support services.”
The charge also alleged that Oduah, while serving as minister and having supervisory authority over a contract awarded to I-SEC Security Nigeria Ltd, dishonestly authorised the transfer of N839,780,738.90 and N1,629,250,000, acts the prosecution said amounted to breach of official trust under the Penal Code.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
