AGF approves prosecution of ex-Senator Andy Uba over alleged N400m NDDC fraud

...Court adjourns case to Sep 24 for arraignment

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has granted approval for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to proceed with the prosecution of former Senator for Anambra South, Andy Uba, in connection with an alleged N400 million fraud linked to a fraudulent Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) appointment scheme.

The police had earlier filed a two-count charge against Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, accusing them of obtaining money by false pretence.

During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, prosecuting counsel A.M. Abdullahi informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the AGF had reviewed the case file and instructed that the police continue with the trial.

According to the amended charge filed on 4 March 2025, Uba, Etu, and a third suspect identified as Hajiya Fatima (currently at large) allegedly conspired in 2022 to collect N400 million from businessman George Uboh. The funds were purportedly solicited in exchange for securing the appointment of an NDDC Managing Director for a willing payee.

The charge stated that the representation was false and constituted a criminal offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

At Monday’s session, only Etu and his counsel, C.F. Odiniru, were present. Odiniru informed the court that Uba was receiving medical treatment abroad, a claim the prosecution dismissed as speculative, citing the absence of documentary evidence.

The defence also asserted that the N400 million had been refunded and suggested the matter had been resolved. Nevertheless, he requested an adjournment to allow Uba to return for formal arraignment.

Justice Umar granted the application and adjourned the matter to 24 September 2025 for the defendants to enter their plea.

A letter dated 8 May 2025 from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), M.B. Abubakar, confirmed the AGF’s directive to proceed with prosecution. The DPP stated that a prima facie case had been established against Uba, Etu, and Fatima, while another individual, Crystal Uba, who was initially listed as a co-defendant, had been exonerated.

The case centres on allegations that Uba and his associates collected N400 million from Uboh under the pretext of facilitating a non-existent NDDC leadership appointment. The AGF’s office gave the go-ahead following a review of petitions and evidence submitted by the police.