The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again adjourned the trial of former Senator representing Anambra South, Andy Uba, over an alleged ₦400 million fraud.
The case, earlier scheduled for hearing on Monday, was postponed due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar. The matter has now been rescheduled for November 6, when Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, are expected to take their plea.
Justice Umar had, during the last sitting on October 28, cautioned the former lawmaker against further delays, stressing, “I will give you the last opportunity.”
The prosecution counsel representing the Inspector-General of Police, Aminu Abdullahi, had previously urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Uba in accordance with Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Abdullahi accused the former senator of repeatedly disobeying court orders and failing to appear since the charge was filed in 2024.
He told the court that Uba’s lawyer had cited ill health as the reason for his client’s absence, a claim the prosecution described as a deliberate ploy to delay the proceedings.
The Attorney-General of the Federation had earlier granted the police approval to prosecute Uba and Etu on allegations of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. The charges relate to a ₦400 million transaction reportedly involving a promise to secure the appointment of a Managing Director at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
According to the charge sheet, the offence contravenes Section 8 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The alleged fraud, said to have occurred in 2022, also involves another suspect, identified as Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large. The police disclosed plans to call at least six witnesses when the trial eventually begins.
The court had previously warned that a bench warrant could be issued for Uba’s arrest if he continued to evade trial, as his repeated absence has repeatedly stalled progress in the case.
