Court Issues Warning to Inspector-General of Police Over Fraud Case

The Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja issued a caution to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the pending case against Senator Andy Uba and two others over allegations of fraud amounting to N400 million.

Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered this warning after the IGP’s attorney, M.C. Anthony, sought an order for substituted service of the charges on the defendants, relying on the FHC Civil Procedure Rules from 2019.

During the proceedings, Anthony, acting on behalf of the prosecution, admitted he was representing another lawyer in court. Justice Ekwo questioned him about his role, leading Anthony to clarify he was a government lawyer.

“You cannot hold brief for a government officer in court,” Justice Ekwo informed him, pointing out that Anthony had previously appeared alongside another lawyer without notifying the court of his brief status.

Upon inquiry about the nature of the ex-parte motion, Anthony explained that it concerned the request for substituted service on the defendants.

The judge asked Anthony to specify which legal framework justified the motion. Anthony cited various rules from the FHC Civil Procedure. When questioned about whether the case was civil or criminal, he confirmed it was a criminal matter.

Justice Ekwo noted that the proceedings should be guided by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015, suggesting Anthony needed to ensure procedural adherence.

“You need to organize your case properly,” the judge remarked before scheduling the next hearing for February 18, 2025.

The IGP had initiated legal action against Andy Uba, the former Senator of Anambra South, along with two co-defendants. The charges were officially logged as FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu named alongside Uba.

These charges, filed by Abdulrashid Sidi, alleged that Uba and others conspired to deceive George Uboh, claiming they could facilitate the appointment of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for N400 million. This was labeled as obtaining money under false pretenses, contravening the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

In addition, the second count outlined further conspiracy to defraud Uboh under similar pretenses.

Uboh had submitted a letter to the IGP in April 2023, asserting that he possessed ample evidence, including recordings, to support his claims. He had also listed six witnesses prepared to testify against the defendants.

Previously, Justice Ekwo postponed their arraignment to February 18, 2025, due to concerns from the prosecution about the defendants avoiding notification of court documents, despite being granted administrative bail.

The court learned that the defendants had successfully obtained a temporary injunction, delaying their proceedings until it was lifted.

NAN