Oduah: CSO praises AGF for embracing practical legal pathway that preserves time

2026-03-29 - 12:34

The Centre for Justice and Accountability (CJA) has commended the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for embracing a practical legal pathway that preserves judicial time in the N2.5 billion fraud case involving former aviation minister, Senator Stella Oduah. The Centre in a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Ochiaga Jude, said the decision has reduced prolonged litigation costs and ensured that public interest remains protected. It also saluted the Attorney-General for pursuing a resolution that reflects both accountability and procedural efficiency. The Centre said: “We note with keen interest the resolution reached in the N2.5 billion fraud case involving former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, following the acceptance of a plea bargain arrangement and her subsequent discharge by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja. “Reports indicate that Justice Hamza Muazu granted the discharge after the prosecution, acting through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that the matter had been discontinued pursuant to the plea bargain reached with the defendants. “From available court reports, the plea bargain process was initiated under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, after the defendants reportedly commenced restitution of part of the funds in question to the Federal Government, with the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), earlier confirming before the court that payment arrangements had already begun before the final resolution was adopted. “While full financial terms of the agreement were not publicly detailed in all reports, the judicial outcome demonstrates that lawful settlement mechanisms remain an important component of Nigeria’s criminal justice administration when restitution and prosecutorial discretion align within the bounds of the law. “The Centre commends the Federal Government for embracing a practical legal pathway that preserves judicial time, reduces prolonged litigation costs, and ensures that public interest remains protected. “We particularly salute the Attorney-General for pursuing a resolution that reflects both accountability and procedural efficiency. “In a justice system where court dockets remain heavily burdened, plea bargain arrangements, when transparently managed, can help redirect scarce judicial resources toward other pressing national cases. “We also commend the court for handling the matter with professionalism and constitutional restraint, ensuring that due process prevailed throughout the proceedings. “The maturity shown by all parties in arriving at a lawful conclusion deserves recognition because justice is not only measured by punishment, but also by lawful restitution, closure, and institutional efficiency. “At the same time, the Centre acknowledges the long record of public service rendered by Senator Stella Oduah over several decades in national development, both in public administration and legislative service. “Her tenure in public life, including service in the aviation sector and at the National Assembly, remains part of Nigeria’s democratic history, and it is our considered view that every citizen is entitled to the benefit of lawful judicial outcomes as pronounced by competent courts. “We therefore urge Nigerians to see this development as further evidence that democratic institutions must be allowed to function without prejudice, emotion, or political distortion. “The justice system must continue to encourage lawful settlements where appropriate, especially where such outcomes protect state resources, reduce unnecessary prosecution expenses, and still uphold accountability. “The Centre for Justice and Accountability remains committed to supporting every lawful reform that strengthens public confidence in justice delivery, protects national institutions, and promotes fairness under the law.”