The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has dragged former Senator representing Anambra South, Andy Uba, and two others, to court for allegedly defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, the sum of N400 million.
The I-G, in a two-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024 filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja and assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo Court joined Crystal Chidinma Uba and Benjamin Etu as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
The charge, dated Oct. 8, was filed on Oct. 10 by Abdulrashid Sidi in the Legal/Prosecution Section at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In count one, Uba, Crystal, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, sometimes in 2022, were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.
Una and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to George Uboh that they had perfected way to an appointment of the Managing Directorship of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested person who could afford the sum of N400 million.
“A presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.”
In count two, the defendants and Fatima, who is at large, in 2022 within the jurisdiction of the court, were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves with intention to defraud and induced George Uboh by making a presentation to him that they had perfected way to give an appointment of the post of Managing Directorship of NDDC to any interested person who could afford the sum of N400 million.
“A presentation which you know is not true. You obtained the money and converted it into your own personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006,” the count read in part.
George Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.
According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.
This petition is based on documentary and voice recording evidence that
“Andy Ubah stated unequivocally to me that he has perfected a way to give NDDC Managing Directorship to any candidate who brings N400,000,000.
“That if the appointment does not occur, he will refund the money.
“I nominated my sister, Honourable (Engr.) Doris Uboh, who by profession is qualified to be NDDC MD.
“Andy Ubah provided two accounts and instructed a transfer of N200,000,000 each into the accounts.
“I instructed another sister of mine, Princess Engr. Ify Akanmode, who is a business partner and whose account I had some funds, to do the transfers.
“Till date, Andy Ubah has promised to pay and has not,” Uboh had alleged.
No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and others.
Justice Ekwo adjourned their arraignment until Feb. 18, 2025.
The adjournment followed a complaint by M.L. Anthony, who appeared for the I-G on Nov. 13, that the defendants had been evading the service of the court documents despite being given administrative bail.
Anthony told the court that they had been on the matter since 2023.
He said the defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order which had prevented the police from bringing them to court.
The lawyer said it was until after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to allow the defendants take their plea.