The police have requested that the Federal High Court in Abuja issue a bench warrant for the arrest of former senator Andy Uba. The police made this request after Uba failed to appear in court four times.
Uba and his co-defendant Benjamin Etu are accused of defrauding businessman George Uboh. They allegedly persuaded Uboh to pay N400m in exchange for appointment to the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Company (NDDC).
At the latest hearing, Uba was absent. His lawyer, C.L. Odiniru, told the court that the former senator was receiving treatment abroad, presenting medical documents to support the claim.
However, prosecution counsel Aminu Abdullahi, who previously served as counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), was not convinced. He stated that the alleged medical treatment excuse was unsupported, and that no evidence had been presented to justify Uba’s absence, and requested a bench warrant to ensure Uba’s appearance.
Justice Mohammed Umar was however not pleased with the continued absence. He stated if Uba did not show at the next hearing, he would issue a bench warrant. He further stressed that any future applications for adjournment must be backed with strong evidence.
The matter has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, for Uba and Etu to take their pleas. The judge emphasized that the case must proceed without further delay and noted that the court would not hesitate to enforce its orders.
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