In a move to resolve the ₦2.5 billion charges against them, Stella Oduah and her co-defendant have initiated plea bargain proceedings before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), representing the prosecution, confirmed on Thursday that a formal approach had been made to the Attorney-General’s office to settle the matter.
The proposed arrangement stipulates that the defendants will forfeit and refund the proceeds of the alleged crime in exchange for a structured settlement.
“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 told the court.
Counsel to Oduah, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), confirmed the prosecution’s statement, noting that discussions around the proposed settlement were ongoing.
Also, counsel to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, acknowledged that negotiations for a plea bargain were underway.
Following the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until March 26 to receive an update on the plea bargain negotiations.
This follows an earlier update on February 12, where prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo confirmed that the settlement talks are being conducted under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015).
At that time, Oyedepo noted that while consultations were ongoing, the prosecution required a clear window to either finalize the agreement or proceed to a full trial.
The legal battle began in December 2025, when the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation arraigned Stella Oduah and Gloria Odita on a five-count charge.
The indictment includes allegations of fraud, criminal breach of trust, and obtaining money by false pretences.
Specifically, prosecutors claim the duo conspired to divert ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies: Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd.
The government maintains these actions violate the Advance Fee Fraud Act, carrying penalties under Section 1(3) of the law.
Despite the current move toward a settlement, both defendants have maintained their innocence and previously entered “not guilty” pleas.
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