Former aviation minister Stella Oduah has begun the process of refunding part of the funds allegedly linked to the N2.4 billion fraud case instituted against her by the federal government.
Gatekeepers News reports that the update was disclosed on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, during the resumed hearing of the case. Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecutions of the federation (DPPF), told the court that steps had already been taken by the defendants to return some of the money to the government.
“The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers,” Oyedepo said, adding that the authorities were awaiting confirmation that the bank draft had been received, although he did not disclose the exact amount involved.
Oduah, who served as minister of aviation between July 2011 and February 2014 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, is standing trial alongside Gloria Odita. The two were arraigned on December 10 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and criminal breach of trust. They both pleaded not guilty to the charges when the case commenced.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from allegations that funds linked to aviation ministry projects were diverted through questionable financial transactions during Oduah’s tenure in office.
Lawyers representing the defendants; Onyechi Ikpeazu for Oduah and Favour Osunaya for Odita acknowledged the development in court but declined to reveal further details regarding the refund arrangement.
Justice Hamza Muazu, who is presiding over the case, subsequently adjourned the matter until March 26 to allow the court receive an update on the discussions between the parties.
The latest development follows earlier indications that the defendants were exploring a plea bargain with the office of the attorney-general of the federation. Oyedepo had previously informed the court that Oduah filed an application under section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which permits plea bargain negotiations in criminal proceedings.
Under the ACJA, plea bargaining allows a defendant to reach an agreement with prosecutors, often involving an admission to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for certain concessions. The law also permits such negotiations where a defendant agrees to return proceeds believed to be linked to a crime or make restitution to the government.
