By Nworisa Michael
A former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, has been convicted and sentenced to a total of 72 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦868 million fraud case.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), successfully proved the nine-count charge of money laundering against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Nwabuoku guilty on all nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment on each count, amounting to 72 years in total. However, the judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve them simultaneously.
Justice Omotosho described the offence as “appalling,” noting that the funds diverted were meant for security and defence while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
The court also acknowledged evidence presented by the prosecution indicating that the defendant refunded over ₦200 million during the investigation, a claim that was not challenged by the defence.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on an amended nine-count charge and had earlier been granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judgment marks a significant milestone in the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly in cases involving public funds allocated to critical national sectors.
