Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the arraignment of Senator Andy Uba, a former lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, on allegations of a ₦400 million fraud.
Justice Inyang Ekwo has scheduled February 18, 2025, for Uba and two co-defendants to enter their pleas.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, filed a two-count charge against Uba, Crystal Chidinma Uba, and Benjamin Etu.
A fourth alleged conspirator, Hajiya Fatima, is reportedly at large.
The defendants are accused of conspiring in 2022 to defraud businessman George Uboh by falsely promising to secure the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for ₦400 million.
According to the prosecution, the claim was knowingly false, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Uboh, in a petition dated April 5, 2023, provided evidence, including documents and voice recordings, to support his allegations. He alleged:
“Andy Ubah stated unequivocally to me that he has perfected a way to give NDDC Managing Directorship to any candidate who brings ₦400,000,000. That if the appointment does not occur, he will refund the money.”
Uboh further claimed:
“I nominated my sister, Honourable (Engr.) Doris Uboh, who by profession is qualified to be NDDC MD. Andy Ubah provided two accounts and instructed a transfer of ₦200,000,000 each into the accounts.
“I instructed another sister of mine, Princess Engr. Ify Akanmode, who is a business partner and whose account I had some funds, to do the transfers. Till date, Andy Ubah has promised to pay and has not.”
The police prosecutor, Mr. M. L. Anthony, informed the court that the defendants, currently on administrative bail, have been avoiding service of the charges.
He stated that delays in their arraignment since 2023 were caused by a fundamental rights suit filed by the defendants, which has since been vacated.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 18, 2025, to allow the prosecution to present its six witnesses and proceed with the trial.