The Federal High Court in Abuja has again adjourned the arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, in the alleged ₦400 million fraud case, pushing the hearing to November 6, 2025.
The case, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, could not proceed due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was reportedly sitting in another division of the court.
Why the Case Was Adjourned
Justice Umar had previously warned that he might issue a bench warrant for Uba’s arrest if the former lawmaker failed to appear in court on October 28.
The caution followed an application by prosecution counsel, Aminu Abdullahi, who urged the court to invoke Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, citing Uba’s repeated absences since the case began.
“The defendant’s consistent absence shows disregard for the court and has stalled proceedings since the charge was filed in 2024,” Abdullahi told the court.
Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, pleaded for more time, explaining that his client’s non-appearance was due to ill-health.
The judge reluctantly agreed, granting what he described as a “final opportunity” for the ex-senator to appear in person.
Background: The Alleged ₦400 Million Scam
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had earlier granted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) approval to prosecute the case.
The amended two-count charge, filed on March 5, 2024, accuses Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu of obtaining money under false pretence.
According to court documents, Uba and others—including a woman identified as Hajiya Fatima (now at large)—allegedly conspired in 2022 to defraud businessman George Uboh of ₦400 million, claiming they could secure the appointment of a Managing Director for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The prosecution contends that this was a false representation and that the defendants “knowingly deceived” the complainant to obtain the funds, violating Sections 8 and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
“It was a fraudulent promise of influence-peddling that never existed,” a source close to the case explained.
The police say they intend to call six witnesses, including the petitioner, to testify and provide documentary and audio evidence linking the defendants to the alleged crime.
Legal Context: A Test of Accountability in Public Office
Senator Andy Uba, who once represented Anambra South Senatorial District, has faced intense public scrutiny over the case.
Analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for accountability among public officials and politically exposed persons accused of influence trading and advance fee fraud.
Legal experts note that the case underscores the increasing use of the ACJA 2015 to expedite corruption trials and limit delays caused by procedural excuses.
If convicted, Uba and his co-defendant face severe penalties, including imprisonment and forfeiture of assets.
What Happens Next
The court has fixed November 6, 2025, as the new date for arraignment and plea-taking.
Justice Umar also directed the defendants to appear without fail, stressing that further absences could trigger an immediate arrest order.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s justice system continues to face challenges in prosecuting high-profile financial crimes, often bogged down by procedural adjournments and health-related excuses.
However, the renewed commitment by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies—especially under the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption reforms—is rekindling public confidence in the rule of law.
As one senior legal analyst told BRANDECONOMY,
“This case is not just about Andy Uba; it’s about testing whether our justice system can truly hold the powerful accountable.”
