A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has cleared former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, of alleged involvement in a ₦2.5 billion fraud case following a plea bargain arrangement.
Presiding over the matter, Hamza Muazu also discharged a former aide to the ex-minister, Gloria Odita, after the prosecution formally withdrew charges against them.
The court decision followed a submission by the prosecution indicating that it had discontinued the case against the individuals based on an agreement reached by all parties.
Despite this, the prosecution maintained charges against two companies linked to the former minister — Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited — in a revised charge.
Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Oyedepo, explained that the case was reviewed in line with the plea bargain, leading to the continuation of proceedings against the companies accused of benefiting from the alleged fraud.
According to the amended charges, Sobora International Limited was alleged to have unlawfully held ₦838 million, while Global Offshore and Marine Limited was linked to ₦1.629 billion.
Following a guilty plea entered on behalf of the firms, the prosecution urged the court to convict them and order their winding up, alongside forfeiture of funds recovered during the investigation.
Lawyers representing the defendants did not oppose the application.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu convicted the companies based on their admission of guilt and directed that they be wound up accordingly.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦1.2 billion paid as restitution, as well as ₦780 million recovered during investigations, to the Federal Government.
Additionally, the judge struck out the earlier charge filed in October 2025, which had included Oduah and Odita as defendants, thereby formally clearing them of the allegations.
The former minister and her aide had been arraigned in December 2025 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on multiple charges, including fraud, obtaining by false pretence and criminal breach of trust.
Prosecutors had alleged that the defendants conspired in 2014 to obtain about ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through private firms under questionable claims.
They had initially pleaded not guilty before entering into the plea bargain that led to the latest outcome.
