A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has cleared former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, of all charges after the Federal Government confirmed it had recovered the funds tied to the case.
Delivering his ruling on Thursday, Justice Hamza Muazu struck out the charge against Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, following confirmation from the prosecution that the alleged proceeds had been fully returned.
“The charge dated October 13, 2025, is hereby struck out, and the defendants are accordingly discharged.”
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that he acted on the directive of the Attorney-General of the Federation, stating that the government had received the value linked to the matter.
“I have the instruction of the Attorney-General of the Federation to inform your lordship that the state confirms receipt of the value of the subject matter of this charge.”
After this confirmation, the prosecution adjusted the case to include only two firms — Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited — effectively removing Oduah and Odita as defendants.
Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and counsel to Odita, Wale Balogun (SAN), pressed for the charges to be formally withdrawn, a request the court granted.
Although the prosecution suggested that the former defendants could still appear as representatives of the companies, the judge made it clear that no conviction would be recorded against them, as their involvement would only be in a representative capacity.
The case was briefly stepped down to address disagreements over representation before both sides agreed that only the companies would remain on the charge, with designated representatives appearing for them moving forward.
