Stella Oduah, a former Minister of Aviation, has begun efforts to return part of the funds she is accused of embezzling, as part of settlement negotiations over the N2.5 billion fraud charges against her and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita.
The disclosure came during a hearing at the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, when Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), informed the court that the defendants had initiated steps to return part of the alleged looted funds.
Oyedepo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), confirmed that both Oduah and Odita were making moves to repay some of the money into government coffers.
However, he stopped short of disclosing the specific amount that had been refunded so far, adding that the remaining task was for the government to acknowledge receipt of the bank draft.
Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and Odita’s representative, Favour Osunaya, also confirmed the progress but refrained from offering further details on the repayment process.
Both defendants were present in court but did not personally address the court, with all statements made through their legal representatives.
The case, which has been ongoing, was adjourned until 26 March to review the status of the refund. This latest development follows an earlier submission made by the defendants to the Attorney-General’s office, in which they reportedly sought a plea bargain related to the charges against them.
This application, made under the provisions of Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, was presented as the prosecution was preparing to commence trial in February.
While the details of any potential agreement are still under wraps, Section 270 of the ACJA allows for plea bargaining, which could lead to a defendant pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence, especially if they agree to return the proceeds of their crime or make restitution to the affected parties.
It remains unclear whether the return of funds marks the start of a plea bargain, which would involve a guilty plea and a possible reduction in charges, or if the authorities are considering a full withdrawal of the charges as part of a settlement. The government has not yet confirmed the terms of the negotiations.
Stella Oduah, who served as Minister of Aviation from 2011 to 2014 during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, has faced multiple legal battles. Alongside Odita, she was arraigned in December 2025 on charges related to a fraudulent N2.5 billion transaction.
The indictment alleges that the two defendants illegally acquired the sum, which was misrepresented as payment for technical supervision, security, and logistics support services through companies Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited.
The prosecution claims the defendants knew the representation of the funds was false and that they had committed fraud in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. Both Oduah and Odita have pleaded not guilty to the charges. In addition to the fraud case, Oduah is also facing a separate trial for money laundering, involving a N5 billion transaction.