The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of former senator, Andy Uba, over his failure to appear in court for arraignment in a N400 million job scam case.
The case involves allegations that Uba, who once represented Anambra South in the Senate, alongside his co-defendant Benjamin Etu, defrauded a businessman by falsely claiming they could secure him a top federal appointment in exchange for money.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, when the matter came up in court, Uba was again absent. His lawyer, C.L. Odiniru, told the court that the ex-senator is currently sick and undergoing treatment in the United States. He apologized for Uba’s continued absence and pleaded for understanding.
However, prosecuting counsel representing the IGP, Aminu Abdullahi, opposed the excuse. He told the court that the defense has repeatedly used the same reason—ill health—without submitting any credible medical documents to back the claim. He therefore urged the court to issue an arrest warrant to compel Uba’s appearance in court.
Abdullahi argued that the former lawmaker is deliberately avoiding trial and said the justice system should not allow such delay tactics. “It is in the best interest of justice to grant this application,” he told the judge.
Although the defense later said they had obtained some documents proving Uba’s medical condition abroad, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, was clearly displeased. He warned that the court would not tolerate further delays in the trial.
Justice Umar sternly stated:
“I will give you another opportunity by giving you another date. This case must be heard this year. Even if it means issuing a bench warrant of arrest, the court will do that.”
The judge adjourned the case to October 28, 2025, for Uba and his co-defendant to appear and take their plea. He warned that if Uba fails to appear on the next date, the court will have no choice but to issue a warrant for his arrest.
The police, through their Legal and Prosecution Section at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, had filed a two-count amended charge against Uba and Benjamin Etu earlier this year. The charges stem from events that allegedly took place in 2022.
According to the charge sheet, Uba and Etu, along with a woman identified as Hajiya Fatima (currently at large), conspired to deceive one Mr. George Uboh. They allegedly told Uboh that they had connections to facilitate his appointment as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) — if he could pay them N400 million.
The prosecution said the claims made to Uboh were completely false and were designed to fraudulently obtain money from him. The act, according to the police, violates sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The original charge, filed in October 2024, also listed Uba’s relative, Crystal Uba, as one of the defendants. However, her name was dropped in an amended charge filed on March 4, 2025, leaving only Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu.
In support of the petition, Uboh submitted what he described as overwhelming evidence, including documents and voice recordings, showing the alleged fraud.
At least six witnesses have been listed by the police to testify against the defendants in court.
The case was initially assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo. However, following the suspension of Justice Ekwo by the National Judicial Council (NJC), the matter was reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar earlier this year.
Since then, the trial has faced repeated delays, largely due to Uba’s absence.
Now, with the trial court clearly losing patience, all eyes are on October 28 — the final opportunity for Uba to appear willingly before more serious legal steps are taken.
Andy Uba is a prominent political figure from Anambra State. He was a close ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and served as a Special Assistant in the presidency. He later became a senator, representing Anambra South from 2011 to 2019.
He also contested for the governorship of Anambra State under various political platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), though he was unsuccessful.
