FG approves prosecution of ex-Senator Andy Uba over alleged N400m fraud

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has given the green light to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute Andy Uba, a former senator representing Anambra South, over an alleged ₦400 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 authorized the police to proceed with prosecution.

The case, which had been under the jurisdiction of Justice Inyang Ekwo, was reassigned to Justice Umar following Ekwo’s recent suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

READ ALSO: Senator Andy Uba to be arraigned for alleged N400m fraud

The prosecution had earlier amended a two-count charge filed on October 10, 2024, against Uba and his co-defendants—Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu.

In the amended charge filed on March 4, Crystal’s name was dropped, leaving Uba and Etu as defendants.

According to the charge, Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima (now at large) allegedly conspired in 2022 to obtain N400 million from one George Uboh under false pretence.

The defendants reportedly claimed “they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone willing to pay N400 million”.

“A presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006,” the charge reads in part.

Uboh, in a petition dated April 5, 2023, to the IGP, submitted documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claim. Six witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants.

At a previous hearing, the prosecution disclosed that the AGF had requested the case file for review following a petition by the defendants.

However, a letter from M.B. Abubakar, the director of public prosecutions (DPP), dated May 8, confirmed a prima facie case against Uba, Etu, and Fatima.

The DPP also stated there was no evidence linking Crystal Uba to the alleged offence.

When the matter came up on Monday, only Etu and his lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, were present. Odiniru told the court that Uba was abroad for medical treatment.

He also claimed that the money involved in the alleged offence had been refunded.

“What is funny is that the subject matter of this charge has been settled. The money has been paid,” he said.

The prosecution counsel questioned Uba’s absence, arguing there was no documentary evidence to support the medical claim.

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