A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of former senator Andy Uba and his co-defendants over an alleged N400 million fraud to March 17, 2025, following delays in serving an amended charge on him.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), informed the court that the amended charge had not yet been served.

The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, noted that an earlier order for substituted service did not cover the amended charge.

Seeking further time, the prosecuting counsel requested the court’s indulgence to serve the second defendant and to ensure the amended charge was delivered through substituted means.

The judge, however, directed the defense counsel for the second defendant to facilitate service outside the court premises to expedite the process and adjourned the matter for arraignment.

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This development follows an earlier ruling on March 5, when Justice Ekwo granted an ex parte application by the prosecution, allowing service of the charges on Uba and his co-defendants by substituted means after complaints that they were evading service despite being granted administrative bail.

Uba, alongside Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, are facing a two-count in a charge marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024 for allegedly conspiring to defraud businessman George Uboh by claiming they could secure him an appointment as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for a payment of N400 million.

The case stems from a petition dated April 5, 2023, in which Uboh provided documentary and voice recordings as evidence against the defendants.

The court will resume on March 17, 2025, for the arraignment of Uba and his co-defendants.