The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of former Anambra South Senator, Andy Uba, over his repeated absence in court for arraignment in an alleged N400 million job scam.

The police intend to arrest and produce Uba in court to face trial. The request was made on Wednesday after Uba failed to appear for the second time despite being scheduled for arraignment alongside his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, was called before Justice Mohammed Umar, who had previously fixed Wednesday’s date for arraignment.

Counsel to the defendants, C. L. Odiniru, apologized for Uba’s absence, explaining that the former senator is undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

Prosecution counsel, Aminu Abdullahi, opposed the explanation, noting that the defense had consistently cited illness without providing any documentary evidence to support the claim.

He urged the court to issue a bench warrant in the interest of justice.

Following a directive from the court, Odiniru confirmed that the defense had now obtained documents showing Uba is indeed receiving treatment abroad.

Abdullahi, however, maintained that issuing a bench warrant remained necessary to compel Uba’s attendance.

Justice Umar, visibly displeased with the repeated delays, warned that the court would take all necessary steps to ensure Uba appears to take his plea.

“I will give you another opportunity by fixing another date. This case must be heard this year. Even if it means issuing a bench warrant of arrest, the court will do that,” Justice Umar stated.

The matter was adjourned until October 28, 2025, for Uba and Etu to take their plea.

The case involves allegations that Uba, Etu, and a third suspect, Hajiya Fatima (now at large), conspired in 2022 to defraud Mr. George Uboh of N400 million under the false pretense of securing him an appointment as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The charges, filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, carry serious penalties upon conviction.

The case was reassigned to Justice Umar after the suspension of the former trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Six witnesses are expected to testify against Uba and his co-defendant when the trial eventually commences.