The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Andy Uba, a former senator, if he fails to appear for his fraud trial scheduled for October 28.
Andy Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, are facing prosecution over allegations of fraud amounting to ₦400 million.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Uba was absent again, while Etu was present in court.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the warning after C.F. Odiniru, Uba’s lawyer, requested an extension, stating that his client was ill and receiving medical treatment in the United States.
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Aminu Abdullahi, leading the prosecution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, opposed the request and applied for a bench warrant under Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, citing Uba’s repeated absences as disrespectful and obstructive to the court process.
Abdullahi argued that Uba had not appeared before the court since the charges were filed in 2024 and said the excuse of illness had been used previously. He said the failure to attend showed disregard for the judicial process.
Odiniru countered that Uba’s absence was legitimate, adding that he had shared medical documents with the prosecution ahead of the hearing, in line with the court’s instructions.
He maintained that a bench warrant was inappropriate for someone undergoing medical treatment abroad.
Justice Umar questioned the prolonged absence and expressed frustration over the slow pace of the case.
“Are we going to continue like this for the next ten years?” the judge asked, noting that serious medical conditions have not typically prevented court appearances.
In response, Odiniru said the prosecution could verify the authenticity of his client’s medical claims if it doubted them.
Abdullahi rejected this, saying he had not received any such documents and accused the defence of making speculative statements to delay proceedings.
“This is a case of inconsistency. He’s making excuses to buy time,” Abdullahi said, urging the court to issue the bench warrant.
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Justice Umar gave the defence one final chance, directing that Uba must appear at the next hearing. He adjourned the matter to October 28 for a plea.
The Attorney-General of the Federation approved the prosecution of Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu by the Inspector-General of Police on July 7, 2024. The original two-count charge was amended on March 5, 2025, now listing Uba and Etu as the first and second defendants. A third individual, Crystal Uba, was initially named but has since been dropped from the case.
The charges relate to an alleged 2022 scheme in which Uba, Etu, and Hajiya Fatima (currently at large) convinced businessman George Uboh that they could secure the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for a payment of ₦400 million. The prosecution claims this offer was fraudulent.
The case is based on documentary and audio evidence provided by Uboh, who submitted a petition to the police in April 2023. At least six witnesses are expected to testify against Uba and Etu.
