A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Excessive Courtroom in Maitama, Abuja, has discharged Senator Stella Oduah, former minister of aviation, from N2.5 billion fraud costs.
The courtroom delivered the ruling on Thursday after the Federal Authorities confirmed that the funds concerned within the case had been refunded.
Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), informed the courtroom that the federal government had obtained the worth of the funds linked to the costs.
Oyedepo stated the restitution was made by Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita.
“I’ve the instruction of the Legal professional-Basic of the Federation to tell your Lordship that the state confirms receipt of the worth of the subject material of this cost,” Oyedepo stated.
He requested that the costs towards the defendants be struck out and the defence attorneys supported the request.
“The cost dated 13 October 2025 is hereby struck out, and defendants hereby discharged,” the presiding choose, Justice Hamza Muazu introduced.
The courtroom, nonetheless, convicted two corporations linked to the alleged fraud – Sobora Worldwide Restricted and International Offshore Marine Restricted. The courtroom ordered the businesses to make restitution of N1.2 billion to the Federal Authorities.
Justice Muazu additionally ordered the forfeiture of N780 million recovered throughout the investigation. The restitution, forfeiture and conviction of the businesses fashioned a part of the settlement Bargain between the events.
The case adopted a settlement course of that delayed the graduation of trial after the defendants have been arraigned in December 2025.
Oyedepo had earlier disclosed that Oduah utilized for plea bargaining below part 270 of the Administration of Prison Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The previous minister and her co-defendant had been arraigned on December 10, 2025 on 5 counts bordering on N2.5 billion fraud.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained the funds from the ministry of aviation. It stated the funds have been disguised as funds for technical supervision, safety and logistics providers. The alleged offences have been stated to have occurred in January 2014.
Oduah served as minister of aviation between July 2011 and February 2014 throughout the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She later represented Anambra North Senatorial District within the Senate from 2015 to 2023.