Daniel Otera
The unfolding legal saga involving former Senator Andy Uba and his co-defendant Benjamin Etu over an alleged N400 million fraud has once again been postponed this time due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar. The Federal High Court in Abuja has now fixed November 6, 2025, for their arraignment, extending a case that has already seen over a year of procedural delays and mounting public scrutiny.
At the heart of the case is a two-count charge filed by the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters. Prosecutors allege that Uba, Etu, and a third suspect, Hajiya Fatima (currently at large), conspired in 2022 to defraud Mr George Uboh by falsely claiming they could secure the appointment of a Managing Director for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in exchange for N400 million.
The charge, amended in March 2025, is anchored on the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Specifically, the alleged offence violates Section 1(2) and is punishable under Section 1(3), which prescribes severe penalties for obtaining money under false pretence.
According to Uboh’s petition dated April 5, 2023, the evidence includes both documentary proof and voice recordings. The prosecution has listed six witnesses to testify, suggesting a robust evidentiary base.
Since the charge was filed in 2024, Uba has reportedly failed to appear in court, citing ill health. His lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, has repeatedly pleaded for adjournments, arguing that his client’s medical condition prevents him from attending proceedings. However, the prosecution, led by Aminu Abdullahi, has grown increasingly frustrated, accusing Uba of disrespecting the court and deliberately stalling the trial.
On September 24, Justice Umar warned that a bench warrant would be issued if Uba failed to appear on October 28. That deadline came and went, but the judge himself was unavailable, sitting in another division of the court. The irony of a delayed trial due to judicial absence adds another layer to a case already mired in postponements.
Uba, a former Senator representing Anambra South and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces not just legal jeopardy but reputational damage. The allegations, if proven, would not only implicate him in a high-level fraud but also expose the vulnerability of Nigeria’s political appointment processes to manipulation and corruption.
The Attorney-General of the Federation authorised the prosecution in July 2025, signalling the seriousness with which the federal government views the case. Yet, the repeated delays raise concerns about the efficiency and impartiality of Nigeria’s judicial system, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.
Advance fee fraud, commonly known as “419,” remains a persistent issue in Nigeria. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over N12 billion was lost to such schemes in 2024 alone. The Uba case, involving a promise of political appointment in exchange for cash, reflects a more sophisticated variant of this crime one that exploits institutional access and political influence.
With the next court date set for November 6, all eyes will be on whether Uba finally appears to take his plea. The outcome could set a precedent for how Nigeria handles fraud allegations involving political elites. It could also test the resolve of the judiciary to uphold accountability, regardless of status.
Until then, the case remains a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle to balance power with justice, and promises with proof.