By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, sentencing him to a cumulative 72 years in prison without an option of fine.
In his judgment, the court held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved the nine-count charge of money laundering against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Nwabuoku was found guilty on all counts and accordingly convicted.
Justice Omotosho sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment on each of the nine counts, bringing the total to 72 years. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
The judge described the offence as “appalling,” noting that the funds were allegedly diverted while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence, where the monies were earmarked for security and defence purposes.
He also commended the EFCC for its thorough prosecution of the case.
The court further observed that testimony from the ninth prosecution witness, indicating that the defendant voluntarily refunded over ₦200 million during the investigation, was not challenged by the defence.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on an amended nine-count charge and was granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like amount.
He was accused of committing the offences between 2019 and 2021 while serving in the Ministry of Defence.
