The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday convicted and sentenced former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72-year prison term over an N868 million fraud.
Delivering judgment, James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had successfully proven the nine-count money laundering charges against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
“According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.”
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku on all nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment on each count, bringing the total to 72 years.
However, the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently.
The judge described Nwabuoku’s actions—particularly the diversion of funds meant for security and defence during his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence—as “appalling,” while commending the EFCC for its thorough prosecution.
Justice Omotosho further noted that evidence presented by the ninth prosecution witness—that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded over N200 million during the investigation—was not challenged by the defence.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former Accountant-General had earlier been granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum following his arraignment on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge.
The EFCC had listed Nwabuoku as the sole defendant in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, alleging that the offences were committed between 2019 and 2021 while he served in the Ministry of Defence.
