AGF Gives Go-Ahead For Andy Uba's Prosecution Over ‘N400m Fraud’
The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has approved a request by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, for the prosecution of the former Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr Andy Uba, over alleged N400 million fraud.
The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has approved a request by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, for the prosecution of the former Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr Andy Uba, over alleged N400 million fraud.
Counsel to the IGP, A.M. Umar made this known during a court session on Monday, when he informed Justice Mohammed Umar, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the AGF’s office had reviewed the case and directed the police to proceed with prosecution.
The case, which was initially presided over by Inyang Ekwo, was reassigned to Umar after Ekwo’s suspension by the National Judicial Council, NJC.
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.
According to the amended charge filed on March 4, Crystal’s name was dropped, leaving Uba and Etu as defendants.
Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima (now at large) had allegedly conspired in 2022 to obtain N400 million from one George Uboh under false pretence, by reportedly claiming that, “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.”
Uboh, in a petition dated April 5, 2023, to the IGP, submitted documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claim, even as six witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants.
At a previous hearing, the prosecution had informed the court that the AGF had requested the case file for review following a petition by the defendants.
A letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, M.B. Abubakar, dated May 8, confirmed a prima facie case against Uba, Etu, and Fatima.
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.
According to the amended charge filed on March 4, Crystal’s name was dropped, leaving Uba and Etu as defendants.
Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima (now at large) had allegedly conspired in 2022 to obtain N400 million from one George Uboh under false pretence, by reportedly claiming that, “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.”
Uboh, in a petition dated April 5, 2023, to the IGP, submitted documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claim, even as six witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants.
At a previous hearing, the prosecution had informed the court that the AGF had requested the case file for review following a petition by the defendants.
A letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, M.B. Abubakar, 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, noting 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, nothing that there was no documentary evidence to support the medical claim.
Meanwhile, the judge has adjourned the matter to September 24 for the defendants to take their plea. Thecable
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, noting 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, nothing that there was no documentary evidence to support the medical claim.
Meanwhile, the judge has adjourned the matter to September 24 for the defendants to take their plea. Thecable
What's Your Reaction?
