In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that former senator Andy Uba, his daughter, Barrister Crystal Chidinma Uba, and businessman Benjamin Etu be served their charge sheet via social media and by pasting it at their last known addresses. This decision follows allegations of a staggering N400 million fraud linked to a dubious political appointment scheme.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on February 5, 2025, after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) sought substituted service, citing multiple failed attempts to formally serve the accused. If the trio fails to appear at the next court hearing on March 5, 2025, they risk immediate arrest warrants.
According to court documents, Andy Uba, Crystal Chidinma Uba, and Benjamin Etu, in collusion with one Hajiya Fatima (currently at large), allegedly conspired in 2022 to deceive George Uboh into paying N400 million. The accused reportedly promised Uboh an appointment as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)—a position they falsely claimed to have influence over.
The fraudulent deal was reportedly facilitated under the guise of connections to former First Lady Aisha Buhari. Investigations reveal that the money was wired to a bureau de change (BDC) operator, who later confessed that they had frequently laundered money for Andy Uba.
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the scheme extended beyond Uboh. It is alleged that Doris Uboh, a former House of Representatives member, also fell victim to Uba’s web of deceit, paying N400 million in a failed attempt to secure the NDDC leadership position.
Further complicating the case, SaharaReporters learned that Andy Uba’s daughter, Crystal Chidinma, was arrested at a bank while attempting to withdraw part of the fraudulent funds. Meanwhile, co-accused Hajiya Fatima reportedly refunded N50 million of the N200 million she collected before fleeing.
In a shocking twist, business magnate Aliko Dangote allegedly reported Andy Uba to the former Inspector General of Police for using his name to scam another victim out of a substantial sum. Additionally, sources claim that a man once stabbed Andy Uba at the home of a former IGP, after Uba allegedly scammed him out of N2 billion by promising a top government appointment under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, will see the prosecution present six key witnesses to testify against Uba and his co-defendants. The court had initially halted proceedings due to a fundamental rights enforcement order obtained by the accused. However, with that order now lifted, Andy Uba’s trial is officially set to commence.
As the countdown to March 5, 2025 begins, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court to determine whether justice will finally be served—or if another twist awaits in this high-stakes corruption saga.
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