The Federal High Court in Abuja Wednesday issued order for substituted service of criminal summons on a self-acclaimed United Kingdom based private investigator, Chief Victor Uwajeh.
Uwajeh who was accused of attempting to obtain money through fraudulent means from Senator Andy Uba who is representing Anambra South Senatorial District, is facing a four-count charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.
At the resumed sitting on the matter, Mr. Abubakar Alilu, government lawyer, told the court that the defendant had severally evaded service of the charge on him.
The charge borders on forgery, impersonation and fraud.
Alilu informed the court that one a baliff that went with a policeman to effect the service at Uwajeh’s residence in Abuja, was almost shot by security men at the premises.
“One of the bailiff went to the address of the defendant at No:9 Jesse Jackson street, Asokoro and was almost shot by the policemen guarding his house.
“The defendant is aware of this matter. His counsel had pleaded that he travelled to the United States and that once he returns he would appear in court.
“But my lord since then the defendant has failed to make himself available for trial. I know that it is not yet ripe to make an application for a bench warrant. However, I will apply under section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act for leave of court to paste a copy of the criminal summon in a conspicuous part in the premises where he resides,” the prosecution added.
After he had listened to FG’s lawyer, Justice John Tsoho granted the request.
The judge, however, wondered why someone that the state wants to bring to justice would be shielded from prosecution by agents of the same government.
“Giving the circumstances, section 124 has become inevitable. Accordingly, the application is granted. Service should be effected on Uwajeh through substituted means,” the Judge held.
The case was subsequently adjourned till May 21 for trial.
Uwajeh was said to have been indicted by an investigation a crack team from the Nigerian Police Force conducted on a petition that was written to, by Senator Uba.
The embattled lawmaker had in his petition, accused Uwajeh of attempting to use bogus and illegally procured documents to extort money from him.
Nevertheless, the defendant insisted that Senator Uba engaged his services for an assignment in the United Kingdom Border Agency and in the United States of America.
Uwajeh said he previously dragged Uba to court over his alleged refusal to pay him the debt of £1.9 million that was remaining from their agreed fee.
In the said suit, the defendant accused Uba of parading fake academic credentials.
He said he got details of Uba’s alleged dubious qualifications from documents he was exposed to while he worked as a private investigator for the lawmaker.
Uwajeh maintained that Uba had in his desire to make the work easier for him, furnished him with data pages of both his American and Nigerian passports.
Police said it had at the end of its investigations, uncovered that the information the defendant was allegedly using against Senator Uba, was “fraudulently obtained”.
