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 money laundering offences.
Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved its case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt on all nine counts filed before the court.
“The defendant is hereby convicted as charged,” the judge declared.
Justice Omotosho sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each of the nine counts, amounting to 72 years. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve the terms simultaneously rather than consecutively.
The court described Nwabuoku’s actions—particularly the diversion of funds earmarked for national security and defence during his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021—as “appalling” and a grave betrayal of public trust.
In a notable observation, the judge pointed out that evidence presented by the ninth prosecution witness revealed that Nwabuoku had voluntarily refunded over ₦200 million during the course of the EFCC’s investigation—an admission the defence failed to challenge.
Justice Omotosho also commended the EFCC for its meticulous and detailed prosecution of the case, which ultimately secured the conviction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nwabuoku was initially arraigned on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024. He had been granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum pending the conclusion of his trial.
