The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has withdrawn the ₦400 million fraud case filed against former Anambra South senator, Andy Uba, and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, following what officials described as an “amicable settlement” between the parties.
The withdrawal marks the end of a two-year legal battle that accused the former lawmaker of obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the charge, Uba, Etu, and one Hajiya Fatima—who remains at large—allegedly conspired in 2022 to defraud businessman George Uboh of ₦400 million.
The defendants reportedly claimed they could secure the appointment of a managing director for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in exchange for the payment.
The prosecution said the alleged act violated Section 8 and was punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Case Struck Out After Repayment
At Thursday’s hearing, IGP counsel Aminu Abdullahi informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court that a notice of discontinuance had been filed and served earlier in the day.
“We filed and served a notice of discontinuance this morning,” Abdullahi told the court, confirming that the defendants had refunded the entire ₦400 million to the complainant.
Counsel to Uba, C.F. Odiniru, did not oppose the prosecution’s request.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar accepted the police’s notice of withdrawal, struck out the case, and discharged the defendants.
A Long-drawn Legal Drama Ends
The fraud allegation had lingered since 2022, with repeated adjournments and missed appearances by Uba. In September, the court had even threatened to issue a bench warrant against him for failing to attend proceedings.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had in July authorised the IGP to prosecute the matter before it was eventually resolved privately.
While details of the settlement remain undisclosed, the full repayment appeared to have paved the way for the case’s withdrawal.
The development has, however, revived public debate over how frequently financial crimes involving political figures in Nigeria end in private settlements rather than convictions.
Could this decision, critics ask, further erode confidence in Nigeria’s justice system—or does it reflect a pragmatic resolution between disputing parties?
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