Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has discharged former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and her former aide, Gloria Odita, from a ₦2.5 billion fraud case.

The court ordered their discharge after the prosecution informed it had discontinued the case against them pursuant to a plea bargain agreement reached between the parties.

However, the prosecution retained two companies linked to Oduah — Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited — as defendants in an amended two-count charge. Counsel for the Federal Government, Rotimi Oyedepo, explained that the review of the case in light of the plea bargain led to the continuation of proceedings against the companies, which were accused of benefiting from the alleged fraud.

Under the amended charges, Sobora International Limited was alleged to have unlawfully possessed ₦838 million, while Global Offshore and Marine Limited allegedly held ₦1.629 billion. Following a guilty plea on behalf of the companies, Oyedepo urged the court to convict them, order their winding up, and approve the forfeiture of funds, including ₦1.2 billion paid as restitution via bank draft and ₦780 million recovered during the investigation.

The defence counsels, Onyechi Ikpeazu and Wale Balogun, did not oppose the application.

Justice Muazu subsequently convicted the two companies based on their guilty plea, ordered that they be wound up, and directed that the total funds recovered be forfeited to the Federal Government. He also struck out the earlier charge dated October 13, 2025, which included Oduah and Odita, effectively discharging both individuals from the case.

Oduah and Odita were originally arraigned in December 2025 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a five-count charge of alleged fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. The prosecution had claimed that the defendants conspired in January 2014 to obtain ₦2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited under fraudulent pretences.

The alleged offences were said to contravene Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and are punishable under Section 1(3). The defendants had initially pleaded not guilty before the plea bargain agreement was reached.