Police File Amended Charges in Alleged NDDC Appointment Scam; Defendants Yet to Be Served
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further proceedings in the fraud case involving Senator Andy Uba and two others to March 17, 2025. The adjournment followed the filing of a two-count amended charge by the Nigerian Police on March 4, which has yet to be served on the defendants.
The amended charges, brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), allege that Senator Uba, alongside Benjamin Etu and Hajiya Fatima (now at large), conspired to defraud George Uboh of ₦400 million under the false pretense of securing an appointment as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
At the resumed hearing, Lukeman Anthony, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that the charges had been amended. However, when Justice Ekwo inquired whether the defendants had been served, Anthony confirmed that they had not.
The judge then asked how much time the prosecution needed to serve the amended charges, to which Anthony requested seven days. Justice Ekwo subsequently directed that the amended charges be served on the first and second defendants, Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu, respectively.
Count one of the amended charge accuses the defendants of conspiring to commit fraud by falsely claiming they could secure the NDDC Managing Director position for ₦400 million. Count two alleges that they induced George Uboh to part with the money based on the same false representation. Both charges are punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the substantial sum involved. The adjournment allows the prosecution time to serve the amended charges and ensures that the defendants are properly notified before the case proceeds.
As the legal battle continues, the outcome will be closely watched, particularly given the allegations of corruption and the involvement of a serving senator. The next hearing on March 17 is expected to shed more light on the prosecution’s case and the defendants’ response.