Stella Oduah moves to refund funds tied to alleged N2.4bn fraud case

Stella Oduah, former minister of aviation, has begun the process of refunding part of the N2.4 billion linked to the fraud case filed against her.

Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecution of the federation (DPPF), disclosed the development on Thursday during proceedings at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Maitama, Abuja.

Oduah, who served as aviation minister between July 2011 and February 2014, was arraigned on December 10 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge. The charges include alleged fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, and criminal breach of trust.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations when the charges were read in court.

During Thursday’s hearing, Oyedepo informed the court that steps had been taken by the defendants to return part of the disputed funds to the federal government.

According to him, the government is awaiting confirmation that the bank draft for the refund has been received, though he did not disclose the exact amount involved.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and Favour Osunaya, who represents Odita, acknowledged the development but declined to provide further details about the refund arrangement.

Following the submissions, Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, adjourned the case until March 26 to allow the court receive an update on the ongoing discussions.

The latest development 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.

Earlier, Oyedepo had told the court that Oduah submitted the request under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which provides a legal framework for plea bargaining in criminal proceedings.