The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has amended a two-count charge previously filed against Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu over their alleged involvement in a N400 million fraud.
Senator Uba, a former Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and later a Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, is facing charges alongside Etu.
The prosecuting lawyer, M. L. Anthony, announced the amendment when the case was called on Wednesday before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
While Anthony did not explain the reason for the amendment, it was observed that the earlier charge, which included three defendants—Uba, Crystal Uba, and Etu—now lists only Uba and Etu as defendants.
Only Etu was present in court on Wednesday and was instructed by Justice Ekwo to stand in the dock.
Barr. Anthony informed the court that the prosecution had yet to serve the amended charge on the defendants and sought an adjournment to bring an application for substituted service on Uba, similar to the process used for the earlier charge.
Justice Ekwo granted the request and directed Etu’s lawyer, C. F. Odiniru, to allow the prosecution to serve the amended charge on his client immediately after the proceedings.
The case was adjourned until March 17 for the defendants’ arraignment.
The amended charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, accuses Uba and Etu of conspiring to commit fraud by falsely presenting to George Uboh that they could secure the appointment of the Managing Directorship of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for any interested person willing to pay N400 million.
The charge states that the defendants knew the presentation was false, thereby committing an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006.
The case stems from a petition by George Uboh, who claimed he was deceived into parting with N400 million.
Uboh alleged that Uba provided two accounts for the transfer of N200 million each, promising to secure the NDDC Managing Directorship for Uboh’s sister, Honorable Doris Uboh. Uboh stated that despite repeated promises, Uba has yet to refund the money.
In related news, the IGP has been urged to deploy more personnel to Edo State, while Pam Joseph has been appointed as the new Force Secretary.
Additionally, the IGP has ordered a 50% reduction in crime rates across the country.
