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Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has expressed readiness to return funds allegedly taken from government coffers as part of efforts to resolve an ongoing ₦2.5 billion fraud case.
The development emerged during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where the matter is currently being heard.
The former minister and her co-defendant signalled their intention to pursue a plea bargain arrangement with the Federal Government. The move is expected to pave the way for a possible settlement of the criminal charges brought against them.
During the court session, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendants had approached the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to open discussions on a plea agreement.
According to him, the proposal being discussed includes returning money allegedly obtained from the government through fraudulent means.
“They have made moves to refund certain amount of money into the government coffers.
“What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government,” Oyedepo said in court.
Counsel to the former minister, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, confirmed that talks were ongoing between both sides regarding the possible settlement. He told the court that the defence team was working with the prosecution to conclude discussions around the plea arrangement.
Similarly, lawyer to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also acknowledged that negotiations were underway and that both parties were exploring options that could resolve the case without a prolonged trial.
Following the submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26. The court is expected to receive an update on the outcome of the plea bargain discussions at the next sitting.
Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution had explained that the plea bargain process was being explored in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Oyedepo told the court that consultations were still ongoing and requested additional time for parties involved to conclude discussions or proceed with the trial if talks fail.
Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, are currently facing charges over alleged financial misconduct involving billions of naira during Oduah’s tenure as Minister of Aviation.
The Federal Government accused the defendants of conspiring in January 2014 to obtain ₦2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two private companies, Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd.
According to the charge, the funds were obtained under claims that they were meant for technical supervision and logistics support services linked to aviation security projects.
