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Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah has entered discussions with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) regarding a criminal case alleging the misappropriation of approximately ₦5 billion in public funds.
The case, which has raised concerns over potential political interference, was initially disclosed during proceedings at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja.
Oduah and her former aide, Gloria Odita, were arraigned on December 10, 2025, on a five-count charge filed by the AGF’s office.
The alleged offences occurred between January and February 2014, during Oduah’s tenure as Minister of Aviation under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, alleged that Oduah and Odita conspired to obtain approximately ₦2.46 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies, namely Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited, by falsely claiming the funds were for technical supervision and security-integrated logistics support services.
Specifically, prosecutors allege that ₦839.7 million was obtained through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited under the guise of technical supervision costs, while ₦1.62 billion was obtained through Global Offshore Marine Limited for purported security support services.
The funds were reportedly authorised and transferred under Oduah’s supervision while she was minister, constituting obtaining by false pretence and criminal breach of trust, offences punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006 and the Penal Code.
SaharaReporters learnt that the AGF, led by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has proposed that Oduah pay ₦1.54 billion to secure a resolution, a move described by sources as a politically motivated settlement rather than a formal plea bargain.
It was learnt that the case was withdrawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to facilitate the process, reportedly tied to her alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“In order to facilitate the fraudulent process, the AGF office took away the case from the EFCC,” a source privy to the matter said.
“The Tinubu Presidency decided to reward Stella Oduah for joining the APC. Contrary to reports in the media, the process is not a plea bargain, but a newly ready-made legal process designed to free politically connected individuals who are favoured by the President.”
Oduah reportedly filed an application under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to initiate discussions with the prosecution.
In response, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned proceedings to March 26 allow both sides time to engage in discussions and report back to the court on the outcome or proceed with trial.
Last Thursday, there were reports that Oduah had indicated her willingness to refund money stolen from the Nigerian government as part of efforts to settle a N2.5billion fraud case through a plea bargain arrangement.
Oduah and her co-defendant signalled their intention to pursue the deal during proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Oyedepo informed the court that both defendants had approached the AGF office to negotiate a plea agreement. The lawyer told the court that part of the proposed arrangement includes the refund of funds believed to have been obtained unlawfully.
“They have made moves to refund certain amount of money into the government coffers,” Oyedepo told journalists. “What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.”
Counsel for Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, confirmed the prosecution’s statement, noting that discussions around the proposed settlement were ongoing.
Lawyer representing the second defendant, Favour Osuanya, also acknowledged that negotiations for a plea bargain were in progress.
In June 2025, sources told SaharaReporters that the AGF Fagbemi had compromised the N5 billion suit filed by the EFCC against Oduah.
SaharaReporters learned that despite being directed by an Abuja court in July 2023 to take over the case, the AGF office never pursued further legal action or allowed the EFCC’s case to progress.
Sources said this was due to Oduah’s membership of the ruling APC.
In August 2021, while serving as senator for Anambra North, Oduah left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, saying the move was part of an effort to reshape the political landscape in the South East. SaharaReporters learnt that the party, in turn, assured her that she would enjoy all the rights and privileges of a bona fide member.
Meanwhile, in October 2013, SaharaReporters exclusively obtained documents revealing extensive corruption and mismanagement of public funds at the Ministry of Aviation under Oduah’s leadership. One of the documents detailed how Oduah pressured the cash-strapped Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to purchase two armoured BMW cars for her.
At the time, NCAA officials told SaharaReporters that the agency struggled to find funds to upgrade critical equipment, provide staff with essential training, and hire enough qualified personnel.
“Yet, all the minister is concerned about is to have two exotic BMW cars from the little money we have for operations,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters at the time.
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that the transaction to acquire two BMW 760 armored vehicles began in June 2013. However, the request for delivery and payment was expedited between August 13 and 15, 2013. The transaction involved the NCAA, First Bank of Nigeria, and Coscharis Motors Limited.
On August 13, 2013, J.D. Nkemakolam of the NCAA sent a letter to the Managing Director of Coscharis Motors, requesting the delivery of the two armoured BMWs based on a pro-forma invoice dated June 25, 2013.
Each vehicle was priced at N127,575,000 (approximately $796,846.21), bringing the total to N255,150,000 or about $1,593,687.31. The letter also directed Coscharis Motors to provide the sales invoices, delivery notes, and attestation documents.
Payment for the vehicles was made into a First Bank of Nigeria account (number 2018912995 with sort code 0111152303), according to a letter signed by Godwin Umeaka, Coscharis’ group financial controller.
The two black BMW Li HSS vehicles had chassis numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044.
They were delivered to the NCAA on August 13, 2013, and received by store managers F. Onoabhagbe and Y.A. Amzat, who also served as the agency’s head of transport. Two days later, on August 15, 2013, Sola Ogunsakin of the NCAA signed off to certify the completion of the transaction.
According to Vista BMW in Coconut Creek, Florida, a fully armoured BMW 760 Li, capable of withstanding AK-47 7.62x39mm rounds and lower-calibre weapons, would cost about $162,195.
Additionally, the International Armoring Corporation’s armoured car division in Centerville, Utah, provided a quote indicating that the NCAA could have obtained each of these BMW cars for $200,000, plus shipping costs to Nigeria.
