Police Seek Arrest Warrant for Andy Uba Over Alleged N400 Million Job Scam

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has requested a Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of former senator Andy Uba over an alleged N400 million job scam.

The police are seeking to bring Uba to court for trial after his repeated absence from scheduled hearings. Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate, failed to appear for arraignment on Wednesday alongside his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu.

During proceedings, Uba’s lawyer, C.L. Odiniru, informed the court that the former senator is unwell and receiving medical treatment in the United States. The prosecution, led by Aminu Abdullahi, countered that no documentary evidence had previously been provided to substantiate Uba’s claim of illness and urged the court to issue a bench warrant.

Justice Mohammed Umar, expressing frustration at Uba’s repeated absences, warned that the court would take necessary steps to ensure his presence at trial. The matter was adjourned to October 28, 2025, for Uba and Etu to enter their pleas.

The case stems from allegations that in 2022, Uba, Etu, and an accomplice, Hajiya Fatima, conspired to defraud an individual, George Uboh, by falsely promising the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for N400 million. The charges fall under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Initially filed in October 2024, the case has undergone amendments, with Uba and Etu now listed as the main defendants. The prosecution has also listed six witnesses prepared to testify against the ex-lawmaker.

The trial was reassigned to Justice Umar following the suspension of the previous judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, by the National Judicial Council (NJC).