Stella Oduah, a former aviation minister, has begun steps to return part of the funds at the centre of the N2.4 billion fraud case against her, as discussions over a possible settlement with the federal government continue.
Prosecutors disclosed the development on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where the case is pending.
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According to a Premium Times report, Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, told the court that Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, had initiated moves to refund some of the money to the government.
“The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers,” Mr Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said during the proceedings.
He did not reveal how much had been returned so far, but explained that what remains is confirmation that the government has received the bank draft covering the refund.
Lawyers representing the defendants confirmed the development but also declined to disclose further details about the amount involved.
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Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel to Oduah, as well as Favour Osunaya, who represents Odita, both acknowledged the refund process during the hearing.
Oduah and Odita were present in court but did not address the court directly. Their lawyers spoke on their behalf.
After listening to both sides, the trial judge, Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter until 26 March for a report on the progress of the settlement discussions.
The latest development follows an earlier request by the defendants to enter into plea bargain discussions with the federal government.
Three weeks ago, both the prosecution and defence informed the court that Ms Oduah had submitted an application to the Attorney General of the Federation seeking talks under the plea bargain provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
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Oyedepo said the request was made in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
“The matter is slated for commencement of trial, but as the prosecution was preparing for the trial, the Attorney General received an application from the first defendant for discussion,” he told the court during the earlier hearing.
The N2.5 billion case against the former minister and her co-defendant is one of several high-profile corruption prosecutions involving former public officials.
The case continues on 26 March.
