Stella Oduah Aims for Senate After Plea Deal in N2.4 Billion Fraud Case

Stella Oduah, the former Minister of Aviation, has initiated a plea bargain with the federal government over claims of N2.4 billion fraud, while simultaneously announcing her candidacy for the Senate.

Previously serving as a senator for the Anambra North Senatorial Zone, a position she secured in 2019 under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oduah has been embroiled in a legal battle alongside two co-defendants regarding the alleged fraudulent activities amounting to N2.4 billion.

During the recent court proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed Justice Hamza Muazu at the Abuja High Court that Oduah had reached a plea bargain and commenced the process of refunding the federal government.

Oyedepo stated, "The defendants have commenced moves to reimburse a specified amount of money to the government."

While specific figures regarding the refunds were not disclosed, confirmation came from Oduah's attorney, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and the counsel for her co- defendant, Favour Osunaya.

Shortly after these developments, campaign posters proclaiming Oduah's bid for the Senate began appearing widely across Anambra State and on various online platforms.

Reports indicate that Oduah has been reactivating her political networks to utilize the ruling party in Anambra State, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as a foundation for her campaign.

She previously sought the same Senate position in 2023, only to withdraw when she realized the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Ebele Obiano, was also contesting within the same party. This time around, Oduah faces competition from prominent party figures for the ticket, including Mr. Primus Odili, the former Chief of Staff to Anambra's ex-governor, Willie Obiano, and Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the current Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Political Affairs.