Court Warns Andy Uba: Appear for N400m Job Scam Trial or Face Arrest

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 repeated absence in a N400 million job scam trial.

The police want Uba, who once represented Anambra South in the Senate, to be arrested and brought to court to face charges of fraud.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Mohammed Umar expressed displeasure at Uba’s persistent absence despite being scheduled for arraignment alongside his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu.

Defense counsel, C.L. Odiniru, apologized for Uba’s absence, claiming the former lawmaker is receiving medical treatment in the United States. However, prosecution counsel, Aminu Abdullahi, countered that the defense had previously cited illness without presenting proof. He urged the court to issue a bench warrant to ensure Uba appears.

Although Odiniru later informed the court that documents confirming Uba’s treatment abroad had been obtained, Abdullahi maintained that granting the arrest request would serve the interest of justice.

Clearly frustrated, Justice Umar warned that the court will not hesitate to order Uba’s arrest if he fails to show up at the next sitting.

“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 declared before adjourning the matter to October 28, 2025, for plea-taking.

The case stems from allegations that Uba, Etu, and others conspired in 2022 to defraud Mr. George Uboh of N400 million under the false pretense of securing him an appointment as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The charge, filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, accuses the defendants of obtaining money by false pretence, with the prosecution listing at least six witnesses to testify.

The case, initially before Justice Inyang Ekwo, was reassigned to Justice Umar after Ekwo’s suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC).