The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and his co-defendants in the alleged N400 million fraud case to November 6.
The proceedings, initially scheduled for Uba and Benjamin Etu to enter their plea, could not hold due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar, who was reportedly attending to matters in another division.
Justice Umar has now rescheduled the arraignment for November 6.
The judge had previously warned on September 24 that a bench warrant could be issued if Uba failed to appear on October 28.
During the hearing, the prosecution, led by I-G’s counsel Aminu Abdullahi, expressed frustration over Uba’s repeated absences, noting that the ex-lawmaker has not appeared in court since the charge was filed in 2024.
Abdullahi argued that Uba’s absence amounted to disrespect for the court and had stalled the trial.
Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, cited his client’s ill-health and requested additional time for him to appear in court.
The charges stem from allegations that Uba, Etu, and Hajiya Fatima (currently at large) conspired in 2022 to defraud Mr. George Uboh of N400 million.
The prosecution claims they misrepresented their ability to secure the appointment of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The offences are cited under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The prosecution plans to call six witnesses in the case.
