The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 5 for the arraignment of Andy Uba, the former senator from Anambra South, over alleged involvement in a N400 million fraud.

Judge Inyang Ekwo confirmed the date after granting an ex parte application from M.C. Anthony, the counsel for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). This decision allows the police to serve Uba and his co-defendants with the charge documents by alternative means due to difficulties in direct service.

Ekwo instructed that the documents be served within seven days.

This motion was filed after the defendants, including Uba, Crystal Uba, and Benjamin Etu, reportedly evaded receiving the court documents, despite being granted administrative bail.

Uba, his co-defendants, and one Hajiya Fatima (who is currently at large) are charged with conspiring to defraud George Uboh by promising to secure an appointment as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in exchange for a N400 million payment. The charge is detailed in a two-count indictment filed on October 8, 2024 (case number: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024).

Uboh filed a petition on April 5, 2023, with the IGP, providing documentary and audio evidence against the accused. The prosecution has listed six witnesses to testify in the trial.

Previously, the defendants had avoided court procedures by securing a fundamental rights enforcement order, which delayed their appearance until the order was lifted. The case will now proceed with the arraignment in March.