The federal government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu has granted approval to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute Andy Uba, a former senator representing Anambra south, over an alleged ₦400 million fraud.
The approval was reportedly given on Monday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
At a court session on Monday the counsel to the IGP, A.M. Abdullahi, told Justice Mohammed Umar of the federal High court that the AGF’s office had reviewed the case and directed the police to proceed with prosecution.
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.In the amended charge filed on March 4, Crystal’s name was dropped, leaving Uba and Etu as defendants.
The charge stated that Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima (now at large) allegedly conspired in 2022 to obtain ₦400 million from one George Uboh under false pretence.
The defendants reportedly claimed “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,” the charge reads in part.
Uboh had written a petition dated April 5, 2023, to the IGP and submitted documentary evidence and voice recordings requesting a review of the case to support his claim.
However, a letter from M.B. Abubakar, the director of public prosecutions (DPP), 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.
He also claimed that the money involved in the alleged offence had been refunded.
While the federal High court judge has adjourned the case to September 24, it is important for the law to take its due course, and justice to be delivered to prevent further fraudulent activities such as this, irrespective of the money being refunded.
