The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has taken former Senator Andy Uba to court over an alleged multi-million naira fraud, with two others also facing charges.
The charges, filed in October 2024, accuse Uba, Crystal Uba, and Benjamin Etu of conspiring to defraud a Nigerian businessman of N400 million.
In a case brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the IGP alleges that the defendants made false claims about securing a high-ranking position at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The first count of the charge accuses the defendants of misleading George Uboh, a businessman, into believing they could secure a Managing Director position at NDDC for him in exchange for a payment of N400 million.
The prosecution claims that the accused knew their promise was false and that they used the scheme to steal the money.
The second count further accuses Uba and the others of deceiving Uboh by presenting a fraudulent offer, convincing him to pay the sum of N400 million for the NDDC appointment.
“The presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence,” the charge states.
The case was brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo, who adjourned the proceedings until February 18, 2025.
This decision followed a complaint from the IGP’s lawyer, M.L. Anthony, who reported that the defendants had been evading service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
Anthony explained that the defendants had obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order that blocked their trial, but the court eventually lifted the order, allowing the case to proceed.
The case revolves around accusations of fraud and conspiracy, with the defendants allegedly making false promises to Uboh, who claims to have overwhelming evidence, including documentary and voice recordings.
Uboh, in a letter addressed to the IGP in April 2023, said the evidence against the accused was “irrefutable.”
At least six witnesses have been listed to testify against the accused in court.
The Impact of the Alleged Fraud on Public Trust
This case highlights the growing concern over corruption and fraud within the political and business spheres in Nigeria.
The alleged crime is particularly troubling given the involvement of high-profile individuals such as former Senator Uba.
As the trial progresses, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the legal system will hold powerful figures accountable for such fraudulent acts.
The adjournment means that the case will not proceed until February 2025, but the implications of the charges are already significant.