The Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja on Wednesday gave Senator Andy Uba the “final alternative” to seem for the alleged N400 million fraud arraignment proceedings filed by the Inspector-Normal of Police (IGP).
Justice Mohammed Umar stated this after expressing dissatisfaction with the repeated medical grounds cited by Barrister C.F. Odiniru on behalf of Uba.
BusinessTimes beforehand reported that in its amended cost, the prosecution accused Uba, Benjamin Etu, and one other particular person of acquiring cash by false pretence, alleging they introduced Mr. George Uboh with a declare that they might safe the appointment of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Growth Fee (NDDC) for any particular person in a position to pay N400 million.
IGP Amended Cost
In depend one of many cost, Uba, Etu, and Hajiya Fatima (now at giant) allegedly conspired in 2022 to commit the offence.
“A presentation which isn’t true and thereby dedicated an offence opposite to Part 8 and punishable beneath Part 1(3) of the Advance Charge Fraud and Different Fraud Associated Offences Act, 2006,” the cost partly reads.
In keeping with the prosecution, George Uboh, the nominal complainant, said in a letter dated April 5, 2023, addressed to the IGP, that the petition and allegations have been based mostly on documentary proof and voice recordings.
He cited proof, with about six witnesses listed to testify in opposition to the ex-lawmaker and Etu.
At earlier adjourned dates earlier than the courtroom, the prosecution lawyer knowledgeable the courtroom that the Attorney General of the Federation accredited the prosecution of the suspects, whereas Uba maintained he was sick.
What Transpired in Courtroom
On the resumed proceedings, A.M. Abdullahi, counsel to the IGP, stated the prosecution can not perceive the fixed medical causes given by Uba with out offering any cogent evidential floor.
“Immediately he (Odiniru) is saying the identical factor. Ever because the matter was filed, the primary defendant (Uba) has not appeared,” he stated.
- He then orally utilized for a bench warrant beneath the Administration of Legal Justice Act 2015 in opposition to Uba, alleging his non-appearance is an act of disrespect to the courtroom and aimed toward delaying the reason for justice.
Odiniru opposed the prosecution’s software for a bench warrant, including he has constantly knowledgeable the courtroom that Uba was unwell and was overseas (in the US).
- The lawyer stated he had furnished paperwork to point out the prosecution that the primary defendant had been scheduled to go to the hospital in the US up until October 31, 2025.
- He harassed that the obligation of the prosecution is to get a correct particular person to face trial, sustaining that Uba has not absconded.
What the Decide Mentioned
Responding to events, Justice Mohammed Umar queried Odiniru’s line of submission, asking, “Are you saying that we must always anticipate him(Uba) for like ten years? Have you ever seen the place somebody is dropped at courtroom on a stretcher?”
- The decide cautioned the lawyer in opposition to taking part in any “sport” with the courtroom, including that there must be an finish to litigation.
“If by the following adjourned date he (Uba) refuses to come back, no matter it takes to make him come, we’ll do this.
“I provide the final alternative by supplying you with one other date. This case should be heard this yr,” the decide informed Odiniru.
The case was subsequently adjourned to October 28, 2025, for plea.
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