Court Discharges Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah in N2.5bn Fraud Case as Firms Convicted, Assets Forfeited

Plea bargain leads to withdrawal of charges against former minister, while linked companies face conviction and forfeiture orders

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By A1 News International | Abuja, Nigeria

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has discharged former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and her former aide, Gloria Odita, from an alleged N2.5 billion fraud case following a plea bargain agreement.

Justice Hamza Muazu ordered their discharge after the prosecution formally discontinued charges against them, while proceeding with an amended case against two companies linked to the former minister.

Plea Bargain Shifts Focus to Corporate Defendants

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that parties had reached a plea bargain, prompting the filing of an amended two-count charge against Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited.

The companies were accused of unlawful possession of N838 million and N1.629 billion respectively.

Following their guilty plea, the prosecution urged the court to convict the firms, wind up their operations, and order forfeiture of funds linked to the alleged fraud.

Defence counsel did not oppose the application.

Court Orders Conviction, Asset Forfeiture

Justice Muazu convicted both companies based on their admission of guilt and ordered their winding up.

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The court further directed that N1.2 billion paid as restitution, along with N780 million recovered during investigation, be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In addition, the judge struck out the earlier charge filed on October 13, 2025, which included Oduah and Odita as defendants, effectively discharging them from the case.

Background to the Case

Oduah and Odita were arraigned in December on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.

The prosecution had alleged that in 2014, the defendants conspired to obtain N2.469 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through companies under the guise of payments for technical supervision and logistics support services.

The charges were filed under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Penal Code.

Both defendants had initially pleaded not guilty.

The case underscores the increasing role of plea bargaining in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in high-profile financial crime cases. While it enables recovery of funds and faster resolution, it also raises ongoing questions about accountability and deterrence in cases involving public officials.