The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has instituted legal proceedings against Senator Andy Uba, a former senator representing Anambra South, alongside Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, for alleged involvement in a ₦400 million fraud scheme. The two-count charge, filed under reference number FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, was presented before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charge sheet, dated October 8, 2024, and filed on October 10, 2024, accuses the defendants of conspiring in 2022 to defraud George Uboh. The alleged scheme involved making false representations that they had secured processes for appointing the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any willing party capable of paying ₦400 million. According to the prosecution, the defendants knew these claims were false but proceeded to obtain the money under false pretenses, violating Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
In a separate count, the defendants were charged with conspiring to convert the fraudulently obtained funds for personal use. The charges further allege the involvement of one Hajiya Fatima, who is currently at large.
George Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, to the Inspector-General of Police, claimed to possess overwhelming evidence, including documentary and audio recordings, to support the allegations. The case is backed by testimonies from at least six witnesses.
### **Defendants Evade Court Summons**
The arraignment of Senator Uba and his co-defendants, initially scheduled for November 13, 2024, has been adjourned to February 18, 2025. The adjournment follows the prosecution’s report that the defendants have consistently evaded court summons despite being granted administrative bail. Counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, M.L. Anthony, stated that the defendants had also obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order to obstruct police action, delaying their prosecution since 2023. The order was lifted only recently, allowing the police to proceed with the charges.
Justice Ekwo emphasized the importance of the defendants’ appearance in court and adjourned the matter to allow for proper service of court documents and the defendants' plea to the charges.
The case underscores the Inspector-General’s commitment to addressing high-profile fraud cases and ensuring accountability, even among politically exposed individuals. As the legal battle unfolds, the court will determine the veracity of the claims and the appropriate course of justice for all parties involved.
