The Digest: The FCT High Court in Abuja has freed former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and her co-defendant from N2.5 billion fraud charges following a plea bargain agreement with the Nigerian government. The court struck out the charges after the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the defendants had refunded the alleged loot. However, the court convicted two corporate entities—Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited, through which the alleged fraud was committed, ordering them to make restitution of N1.2 billion and forfeit N780 million recovered during investigations.
Key Points:
- The charges against Oduah and co-defendant Gloria Odita were struck out after they refunded the alleged stolen funds.
- The settlement was reached under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which governs plea bargaining.
- Two corporate entities were convicted and ordered to pay restitution and forfeit recovered funds.
- Oduah served as Aviation Minister from 2011 to 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan and later as Senator representing Anambra North.
- The alleged fraud occurred in January 2014, just before Oduah was forced out of office over a procurement scandal.
Sources: Premium Times
