The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a legal suit against former Senator Andy Uba, who represented Anambra South, and two other individuals, Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu over allegations of fraud involving ₦400 million.
The lawsuit, filed on October 10, 2024, was submitted before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case includes two counts, with the defendants accused of conspiring to deceive George Uboh in 2022 by falsely claiming they could secure the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone willing to pay ₦400 million.
According to the charge, Uba, Crystal, Etu, and another individual, Hajiya Fatima (who is currently at large), misrepresented their ability to influence the NDDC MD appointment, thereby committing an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006. The charge states that the defendants falsely presented a plan to Uboh, which they knew was untrue, to obtain the ₦400 million.
The second count further accuses the defendants of conspiring to defraud and deceive Uboh by promising to secure the NDDC position in exchange for the funds, which they allegedly converted for personal use.
The case came to light after Uboh submitted a petition to the IGP on April 5, 2023, providing documentary evidence and voice recordings that he claims are irrefutable and overwhelming. Six witnesses are expected to testify in the case.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that the defendants had been evading service of court documents, even though they were granted administrative bail. Additionally, a delay in the arraignment was attributed to a fundamental rights enforcement order obtained by the defendants, which prevented their appearance in court until the order was lifted.
Justice Ekwo has set a new date for the case, February 18, 2025, for the defendants to enter their plea. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for those involved in the alleged fraud, as the charges carry serious penalties under Nigerian law.
