By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the conviction and sentencing of Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, to a cumulative 72 years in prison for money laundering involving N868.46 million.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, delivered the verdict on Monday following a trial on an amended nine-count charge bordering on money laundering.
Nwabuoku was prosecuted by the EFCC after allegations that he conspired with several companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, to convert funds believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The offences reportedly occurred while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed diversion of public funds through fictitious accounts and transfers to private entities for purported “classified purposes,” as admitted by the defendant during proceedings.
Nwabuoku, who briefly served as Acting Accountant-General before his removal in July 2022 amid the probe, had earlier been granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like amount.
The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of the charges and the court’s stance on financial crimes involving high-ranking public officials.
The EFCC described the outcome as a significant milestone in its anti-corruption drive, emphasizing accountability in public fin
ance management.
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