A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has discharged former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah from a N2.5 billion fraud case after two companies linked to her pleaded guilty and forfeited funds to the Federal Government.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice Hamza Muazu at a court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
The court struck out charges against Oduah and her former aide, Gloria Odita, following an amendment of the case by the prosecution to focus solely on the companies involved.
The firms Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore and Marine Limited — subsequently pleaded guilty and were convicted by the court.
Justice Muazu ordered the winding up of both companies and approved the forfeiture of a total of N1.98 billion to the Federal Government.
Earlier in the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that an amended two-count charge had been filed following plea negotiations with the defendants.
According to the charges, Sobora International Limited unlawfully held N838 million, while Global Offshore and Marine Limited was in possession of N1.629 billion deemed незаконно acquired.
Oduah appeared in court representing the companies and entered a guilty plea on their behalf, a move not opposed by defence counsel.
The court subsequently ordered that N1.2 billion paid as restitution, along with N780 million recovered during investigations, be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Muazu also directed the dissolution of the companies and formally discharged both Oduah and Odita from the case.
The matter originated in December 2025 when Oduah and Odita were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on fraud, breach of trust, and obtaining money under false pretence.
Prosecutors had alleged that approximately N2.4 billion was obtained through companies linked to Oduah in connection with contracts awarded during her tenure as aviation minister between 2011 and 2014.
Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty but later entered into a plea agreement, which led to the amendment of charges and the eventual conviction of the companies.
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