Senator Andy Uba cleared as police drop ₦400m fraud case after settlement

Senator Andy Uba cleared as police drop ₦400m fraud case after settlement

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a high-profile fraud case against former Senator Andy Uba and his associate, Benjamin Etu, following the repayment of ₦400 million to the complainant, Dr. George Uboh.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Mohammed Umar, counsel to the Inspector-General of Police, Aminu Abdullahi, announced that the prosecution had filed a notice of discontinuance in accordance with Section 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The move came after all parties reached an amicable settlement.

“We filed and served a notice of discontinuance this morning,” Abdullahi told the court, confirming that the disputed sum had been fully refunded by the defendants.

According to Abdullahi, Uba—who previously represented Anambra South Senatorial District—and Etu resolved all claims and liabilities with Dr. Uboh, who acknowledged receipt of the funds. Defence counsel C. F. Odiniru supported the withdrawal and submitted an affidavit detailing the terms of the settlement, including a signed agreement dated November 5.

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Justice Umar, noting that the matter had been overtaken by events, granted the prosecution’s request and struck out the charges, formally discharging both defendants. Odiniru had urged the court to dismiss the case entirely under Section 108(3) of the ACJA, citing the absence of any lingering dispute.

The case, filed in 2024, had previously drawn attention when the court threatened to issue a bench warrant for Uba’s arrest over repeated absences that stalled proceedings. The Attorney-General of the Federation had earlier approved the police’s prosecution of Uba and Etu.

The defendants were initially charged with obtaining money under false pretence, allegedly promising to secure a top appointment in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The amended charges in March 2025 accused Uba, Etu, and a third suspect, Hajiya Fatima (still at large), of conspiring in 2022 to defraud Uboh of ₦400 million.

Dr. Uboh had petitioned the police in April 2023, submitting documentary evidence and voice recordings to support his claims. The police had planned to call six witnesses before the case was resolved out of court.

With the refund completed and the charges dropped, the legal chapter involving the former lawmaker and his associate has officially closed.

Senator Andy Uba cleared as police drop ₦400m fraud case after settlement