Former Minister of Aviation, Oduah, has granted refunds in an alleged N2.4 billion fraud case

Former Aviation minister, Stella Oduah, former aviation minister, has initiated steps to effect the recovery of N2.4 billion alleged fraudulent proceeds allegedly linked to her in a lawsuit filed against her.

Oduah, along with Gloria Odita, faces a five-count indictment that includes allegations of fraud, false pretenses and criminal breach of trust.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that the defendants had begun the process of returning some of the funds to the government.

He announced this at the trial which resumed on Thursday.

“The defendants have taken action to return some money to government coffers,” he said, adding that the federal government was waiting for confirmation that the bank draft had been received, although he did not specify the exact amount.

Onyechi Ikpeazu, Oduah’s advisor; and Favor Osunaya, advice to Odita; acknowledged the development but declined to reveal further details about the refund.

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Following the submission, Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter to March 26 to receive a progress report on the discussions.

This development comes weeks after the prosecution and defense informed the court that the defendants had submitted a defense application to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Oyedepo earlier said Oduah applied under section 270 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act (ACJA) 2015, which permits plea bargaining in criminal cases.

According to him, even though the case was scheduled for trial, the AGF received a request from the first defendant to enter into negotiations to resolve the matter.

Under the ACJA, plea bargaining allows defendants to negotiate with prosecutors, often agreeing to plead guilty to reduced charges or reduced charges in exchange for concessions such as a lighter sentence.

The law also allows negotiations in which the defendant agrees to return the proceeds of crime or make restitution.

Oduah served as aviation minister from July 2011 to February 2014.