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 imprisonment without an option of fine.
In his judgment, the court ruled 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 by the court.
Court Orders 72-Year Jail Term
Justice Omotosho sentenced the former official to
eight years imprisonment on each of the nine counts,
bringing the total sentence to 72 years.
However, the court ordered that the sentences
run concurrently, meaning the prison terms will be served at the same time.
Funds Meant For Defence Allegedly Diverted
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.
According to the court, the monies involved in the case were originally
earmarked for security and defence purposes.
Court Commends EFCC
Justice Omotosho also commended the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its thorough prosecution
of the case.
The court further noted that testimony from the
ninth prosecution witness indicated that the defendant
voluntarily refunded more than ₦200 million during the investigation.
The defence did not challenge the evidence during the trial.
Background Of The Case
Nwabuoku was first arraigned on January 15, 2025,
on an amended nine-count charge related to alleged money laundering.
The court had earlier granted him 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.
