A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to 72 years in prison over a fraud involving about ₦868.4 million.
The judgment was delivered by James Omotosho on March 23, 2026, after the court found Nwabuoku guilty on multiple counts of money laundering. The case was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the trial, Nwabuoku admitted that he authorised the transfer of funds from the Ministry of Defence—where he previously served as Director of Finance—to four private companies. He claimed the transactions were meant for classified security operations.
He also confirmed in an earlier statement to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that he supervised the movement of funds for undisclosed security purposes.
The companies linked to the transactions include Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
His admission marked a reversal from his earlier position in court, where he denied any involvement with the firms and said he only became aware of them during the proceedings.
During cross-examination, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, presented evidence of Nwabuoku’s prior statement, in which he acknowledged facilitating the transfers. The prosecution maintained that there was no proof the funds were used for legitimate security operations, noting the absence of supporting documentation.
According to the EFCC, the transactions were part of a larger scheme in which public funds were diverted and channelled through private companies under the guise of security expenses.
In a separate issue raised during the trial, Nwabuoku claimed he acquired his residence legally. However, under further questioning, he admitted that a ₦64 million cheque from Mdavi Limited was used to pay for the property through City Gate Homes. This disclosure raised additional concerns about the source of the funds.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on a nine-count amended charge bordering on money laundering, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
With the conviction, the court upheld the EFCC’s position that the funds were unlawfully diverted and laundered through private entities.
