Former Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba, has refunded the ₦400 million he allegedly collected from billionaire businessman George Uboh, following a court threat to issue an arrest warrant against him.
The court had the settlement plan at the resumed hearing of the criminal case filed by the police before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Counsel to the Inspector-General of Police, Aminu Abdullahi, informed the court that the defendants had fully repaid the disputed amount to Uboh, prompting the prosecution to withdraw the charges.
Abdullahi explained that the withdrawal was made under Section 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, following an amicable resolution between the parties.
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“The defendants and the nominal complainant have settled all disputes and liabilities related to the transaction,” Abdullahi told the court, confirming that Uba and his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, had made the full payment of ₦400 million.
Defence counsel, C.F. Odiniru, did not oppose the application but urged the court to dismiss rather than strike out the case, in line with Section 108(3) of the ACJA.
Justice Umar granted the application, struck out the charges, and discharged both Uba and Etu.
Earlier, on September 24, Justice Umar had threatened to issue a bench warrant for Uba’s arrest due to his repeated failure to appear in court a move that was later averted when Uba cited ill health.
The police, with the approval of the Attorney-General of the Federation had amended the charges in March 2024 to focus on allegations of advance fee fraud involving a ₦400 million payment supposedly tied to securing a Niger Delta Development Commission appointment.
The case has now been officially closed following the full refund and settlement agreement acknowledged by both parties.
