Senator Andy Uba, Crystal Chidinma Uba to Face Trial Over Alleged N400m Advance Fee Fraud

Former Anambra State governorship candidate and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Senator Andy Uba, along with Crystal Chidinma Uba, Benjamin Elu, and one Hajia Fatima (currently at large), is set to face trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of defrauding an individual of N400 million under false pretenses. The criminal charges were brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing the defendants of perpetrating an elaborate scheme to secure the Managing Director position of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their victim.

According to court filings, the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, alleges that the defendants conspired to deceive Dr. George Uboh into paying N400 million in exchange for facilitating the appointment of the NDDC Managing Director. Senator Uba reportedly promised Uboh that he had the means to ensure the appointment, further assuring him of a refund if the arrangement failed. Despite these guarantees, the appointment was never secured, and the money was not returned.

The case dates back to 2022, when Dr. Uboh, based on alleged false representations by the defendants, transferred the sum in two installments of N200 million each into accounts provided by Senator Uba. In a detailed petition dated April 5, 2023, addressed to the IGP, Dr. Uboh provided documentary evidence and voice recordings to substantiate his claims. He asserted that Uba unequivocally assured him of the appointment process’s success, nominating his sister, Hon. (Engr.) Doris Uboh, for the role.

Dr. Uboh alleged that Uba instructed the transfers via his sister and business associate, Princess Engr. Ify Akanmode, who facilitated the transactions. Despite repeated promises, the funds were neither refunded nor the appointment materialized.

The charge against the defendants reads, in part: “That you, Andy Uba, Crystal Chidinma Uba, Benjamin Elu, and Hajiya Fatima (now at large) sometime in the year 2022 within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence to wit; obtaining by false pretenses by making a presentation to George Uboh that you have perfected a way to an appointment of the Managing Directorship of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested person who can afford N400 million, a presentation which you know is not true.”

The charge further alleges that this act constitutes an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The prosecution has named eight witnesses, including Dr. Uboh, police investigators, and four Bureau De Change operators, to testify in court. However, the arraignment has been postponed to February 18, 2025, following a complaint by M.L. Anthony, counsel for the IGP, who informed the court of difficulties in serving court documents to the defendants. Despite being granted administrative bail, the defendants allegedly evaded court summons and secured a fundamental rights enforcement order that delayed legal proceedings until the order was lifted.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo granted the adjournment to ensure the defendants appear and formally take their pleas.