FG has approved the prosecution of Senator Andy Uba over alleged ₦400 million fraud.
NewsOnline Nigeriareports that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the prosecution of former Anambra South Senator, Andy Uba, over an alleged ₦400 million fraud.
Approval for the legal action was granted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and communicated through the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. This development was revealed during a Federal High Court session on Monday, where the IGP’s counsel, A.M. Abdullahi, informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the AGF had reviewed the case and directed the police to proceed with prosecution.
ALSO: Arewa Youths Announces Preferred Candidate For 2027 Presidential Election
Initially filed on October 10, 2024, the case involved Uba, Crystal Uba, and Benjamin Etu. However, an amended charge submitted on March 4 dropped Crystal’s name, leaving Uba and Etu as co-defendants. They are accused of conspiring in 2022 with a woman identified as Hajiya Fatima, currently at large to fraudulently obtain ₦400 million from George Uboh by falsely claiming they could secure the position of Managing Director at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The charge states the alleged act was “a presentation which you know is not true,” constituting an offence under Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Uboh submitted a petition to the IGP in April 2023, presenting documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claims. Six prosecution witnesses are expected to testify in the case.
Although the defendants had petitioned for a review of the case, a May 8 letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), M.B. Abubakar, confirmed that a prima facie case exists against Uba, Etu, and Fatima, while clearing Crystal Uba of any wrongdoing.
During Monday’s proceedings, only Etu and his lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, were present. Odiniru informed the court that Uba was receiving medical treatment abroad and claimed the ₦400 million in question had already been refunded.
“The money has been paid. This matter has been settled,” Odiniru asserted.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case to September 24 for further hearing.
