The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Sen. Andy Uba if he fails to appear in court on October 28 to face trial in an alleged N400 million fraud case.
Justice Mohammed Umar gave the warning after Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, pleaded for more time, citing his client’s ill health and ongoing treatment at a United States hospital.
Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, are being prosecuted by the police on allegations of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
When the matter was called, Etu appeared in the dock, but Uba was absent. Prosecution counsel, Aminu Abdullahi, urged the court to issue a bench warrant in line with Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, citing Uba’s continuous absence since the case was filed in 2024.
Abdullahi argued that Uba’s repeated excuses of ill health were delaying the trial and showed disrespect for the court. He stressed that the former senator had never appeared in court since the charge was instituted.
“We cannot fold our arms and continue this way. His absence has consistently stalled proceedings,” Abdullahi said.
In response, Odiniru opposed the request, insisting that Uba was not absconding but receiving medical treatment abroad. He claimed to have furnished the prosecution with documents to prove his client’s condition.
Justice Umar, however, expressed frustration at the delays. “So, what you are saying is that we are going to remain this way even if it takes 10 years? Have you seen where a person has been brought to court on a stretcher?” he asked rhetorically.
The judge warned that no further excuses would be entertained and directed that Uba must appear in court on the next adjourned date. The case was adjourned until October 28 for plea.
The case, filed by the police with the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), revolves around allegations that Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima (still at large) conspired in 2022 to defraud businessman George Uboh of N400 million under the false claim of securing him the appointment of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The prosecution, in its amended charge, alleges that the defendants obtained money by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
At least six witnesses have been listed to testify against Uba and Etu.
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