Stella Oduah Signals Willingness to Refund Funds in ₦2.5bn Fraud Case as Plea Bargain Talks Begin
Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has indicated readiness to refund funds allegedly taken from government coffers as part of moves to resolve the ongoing ₦2.5 billion fraud case against her.
The development surfaced during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where the matter is currently before the court.
The former minister and her co-defendant signalled their intention to pursue a plea bargain arrangement with the Federal Government, a move that could potentially pave the way for a negotiated settlement of the criminal charges filed against them.
During the session, PulseNets learned that 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 begin discussions on a plea agreement.
According to him, part of the proposal being discussed involves 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 discussions were ongoing between both sides regarding the possible settlement. He told the court that the defence team was working with the prosecution to conclude talks surrounding the plea arrangement.
Similarly, lawyer to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, acknowledged that negotiations were underway, noting that both parties were exploring options that could bring the case to a close without a prolonged trial.
Following 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 during the proceedings, PulseNets learnt that the prosecution 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 the parties to conclude discussions or proceed with trial should negotiations collapse.
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.
Court documents obtained by PulseNets indicate that 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 allegedly obtained under claims that they were meant for technical supervision and logistics support services linked to aviation security projects.
The prosecution alleged that the claims were false and were used to justify the release of public funds.
“Pretending that the said sum represented ‘Cost of Technical Supervision’ and ‘Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services’, which representation you knew to be false.”
The Federal Government further maintained that the alleged actions violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which criminalises obtaining money under false pretences.
Court filings obtained by PulseNets also alleged that the defendants secured ₦839,780,738.90 from the ministry on January 13, 2014, under the claim that the amount represented the cost of technical supervision.
Another count stated that on February 12, 2014, the defendants obtained ₦1,629,250,000 through Global Offshore Marine Ltd for “Security Integrated and Logistics Support Services,” a claim the prosecution insisted was untrue.
In additional counts, the Federal Government accused Oduah of dishonestly misappropriating the funds, which were originally meant for a contract awarded to 1-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd.
The charge stated that she “dishonestly misappropriated the sum by authorising the transfer of the said sum, which act is a breach of your official trust.”
Also Read: Stella Oduah arrives court for arraignment on N7.9bn corruption charges
Both Oduah and Odita had earlier denied the allegations when they were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them.
The court is expected to determine the next course of action when the parties return on the adjourned date to provide an update on the ongoing plea bargain negotiations.
