Ex-Aviation Minister Offers to Return Stolen Funds

Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has signaled her willingness to return funds that are allegedly linked to government misappropriation as part of ongoing efforts to address a ₦2.5 billion fraud case against her.

This development was revealed during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where the case is currently being heard.

Oduah, along with her co-defendant, has indicated their interest in pursuing a plea bargain with the Federal Government. This approach may potentially lead to a resolution of the criminal charges filed against them.

During the court session, 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 open discussions on a plea agreement.

According to him, the proposal being discussed includes 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 talks were ongoing between both sides regarding the possible settlement. He told the court that the defence team was working with the prosecution to conclude discussions around the plea arrangement.

Similarly, lawyer to the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also acknowledged that negotiations were underway and that both parties were exploring options that could resolve the case without a prolonged trial.

Following the 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 in the proceedings, the prosecution had 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 parties involved to conclude discussions or proceed with the trial if talks fail.

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.

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 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 government further maintained that the actions violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which criminalises obtaining money under false pretences.

Court documents 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.”

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 will now determine the next step in the case once the parties return on the adjourned date to report the outcome of the ongoing plea bargain discussions.