Former aviation minister Stella Oduah and a co-defendant have indicated plans to settle a N2.5 billion fraud case through a plea bargain before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During proceedings on Thursday, the director of public prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that the defendants had approached the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to negotiate a plea agreement.
Mr. Oyedepo said the arrangement includes refunding money believed to have been obtained unlawfully.
“They have made moves to refund certain amount of money into the government coffers,” he said.
“What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.”
Counsel to former Minister Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu confirmed that discussions on the proposed settlement were ongoing.
Lawyer to the second defendant Favour Osuanya also told the court that negotiations for a plea deal were underway.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until March 26 for an update on the plea bargain.
Earlier, on February 12, Oyedepo told the court that the request for a plea agreement was made under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
He said consultations between the parties were still in progress and asked the court for time to report on the negotiations or begin trial.
Stella Oduah was arraigned in December 2025 alongside Gloria Odita by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a five-count charge.
The charges include fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to obtain N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd based on claims authorities described as fraudulent.
The prosecution said the alleged offences contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.
Both defendants have denied the allegations and earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
