Nigerian Inspector-General of Police Sues Senator Andy Uba, Others Over Alleged ₦400 Million Fraud

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a lawsuit against former Senator Andy Uba and two others over alleged involvement in a ₦400 million fraud. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, was presented before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu were also named as co-defendants, with an additional suspect, Hajiya Fatima, reportedly at large.

Details of the Charges

The charge, filed by Abdulrashid Sidi on behalf of the police on October 10, alleges that the defendants conspired in 2022 to commit fraud by falsely promising to secure appointments as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for interested parties willing to pay ₦400 million.

According to the charges:

• Count One accuses the defendants of conspiring to obtain 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.
• Count Two alleges that they induced George Uboh, a complainant, with a false claim of having perfected ways to secure the NDDC position, thereby defrauding and converting the funds for personal use.

Evidence and Proceedings

George Uboh, the petitioner, submitted evidence, including documents and voice recordings, to substantiate his claims, describing them as “overwhelming and irrefutable.”

At least six witnesses have been listed to testify against the accused. However, their arraignment has been delayed until February 18, 2025, due to complications with serving court documents.

Challenges in the Case

During the proceedings on November 13, the prosecution lawyer, M.L. Anthony, informed the court that the defendants had been avoiding court summons despite being granted administrative bail. He revealed that the defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order in 2023, which temporarily barred the police from bringing them to court. This order was lifted recently, allowing the case to proceed.

Next Steps

Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to February 2025 to provide the defendants an opportunity to take their plea. The outcome will determine the next steps in the legal battle against the former senator and his co-accused.

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