FG approves prosecution of Andy Uba over alleged N400m fraud

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has granted the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun permission to prosecute Andy Uba, a former senator representing Anambra south, over an alleged N400 million fraud.

At a court hearing held on Monday, the IGP’s legal representative, A.M. Abdullahi, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja that the AGF’s office had thoroughly reviewed the case and formally granted the police the order to proceed with prosecution.

The case revolves around a fraudulent claim that Uba and his co-defendants could secure the appointment of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for N400 million.

Uba, Benjamin Etu, and Hajiya Fatima (currently at large) allegedly conspired to obtain N400 million from George Uboh under false pretenses in 2022.

Uboh submitted documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claim, and six witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants.

The defendants face charges under Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

During the court hearing, Uba’s lawyer claimed he was abroad for medical treatment, while Etu’s lawyer stated that the money had been refunded, saying “What is funny is that the subject matter of this charge has been settled. The money has been paid.”

Moreover, the prosecution questioned Uba’s absence, citing lack of documentary evidence to support the medical claim.

The judge adjourned the matter to September 24 for the defendants to take their plea.

The police initially filed charges against Uba, Crystal Uba, and Benjamin Etu on October 10, 2024. However, Crystal Uba’s name was later dropped in the amended charge filed on March.

The case was reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar following Justice Inyang Ekwo’s suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

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