Former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has begun steps to refund part of the N2.4 billion allegedly linked to fraud charges filed against her.

The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, during the resumed hearing of the case before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Oduah, who served as aviation minister between July 2011 and February 2014, was arraigned on December 10 alongside Gloria Odita on a five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and criminal breach of trust. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Addressing the court, Oyedepo said the defendants had initiated the process of refunding part of the funds to the federal government.

“The defendants have made a move to refund a certain amount of the money into the government coffers,” he said.

He added that the government was awaiting confirmation that the bank draft had been received, although the exact amount involved was not disclosed.

Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and counsel to Odita, Favour Osunaya, confirmed the development but declined to provide further details regarding the refund.

Following the submissions, the presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter until March 26 to receive a progress report on the discussions.

The latest development comes weeks after both the prosecution and defence informed the court that the defendants had applied for a plea bargain with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Earlier, Oyedepo stated that Oduah filed the application under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which provides for plea bargaining in criminal proceedings.

According to him, although the matter had been scheduled for trial, the AGF received a request from the first defendant seeking negotiations aimed at resolving the case.

Under the ACJA, plea bargaining allows a defendant to negotiate with the prosecution, often agreeing to plead guilty to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for concessions such as a lighter sentence.

The law also provides for situations where a defendant agrees to return the proceeds of an alleged crime or make restitution as part of the settlement process.