Former Minister begins refund process in alleged over ‘N2 billion fraud’ case

Former Minister begins refund process in alleged over ‘N2 billion fraud’ case

Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has initiated moves to refund part of the N2.4 billion allegedly linked to fraud charges filed against her by the Federal Government, as discussions toward a possible plea bargain continue.

The development emerged on Thursday during the resumed hearing of the case before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), informed the court that the defendants had begun steps to return some of the funds to government coffers.

“The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers,” Oyedepo said.

He explained that the Federal Government was still awaiting confirmation that the bank draft had been received but did not disclose the exact amount involved in the refund process.

Oduah, who served as aviation minister between July 2011 and February 2014, was arraigned on Dec. 10 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.

Both defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges at their arraignment.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and counsel to Odita, Favour Osunaya, acknowledged the refund development during the court session but declined to give further details about the amount or terms involved.

The presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, subsequently adjourned the matter until March 26 to allow the court receive an update on the ongoing discussions.

The latest move comes weeks after both the prosecution and defence informed the court that the defendants had applied for a plea bargain with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Oyedepo had earlier explained that Oduah filed the application under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which provides for plea bargaining in criminal proceedings.

According to him, although the matter was initially scheduled for trial, the AGF received a formal request from the first defendant seeking negotiations to resolve the case.

Under the ACJA, plea bargaining allows a defendant to negotiate with the prosecution, sometimes agreeing to plead guilty to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for concessions such as a lighter sentence. The law also provides room for restitution where a defendant agrees to return the proceeds of an alleged crime.