Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to 72 years imprisonment over a high-profile money laundering case involving N868 million. The ruling followed the successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused the former government official of […]
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to 72 years imprisonment over a high-profile money laundering case involving N868 million.
The ruling followed the successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused the former government official of diverting public funds through questionable transactions.
Evidence presented in court showed that Nwabuoku approved the transfer of funds from the Ministry of Defence to four private companies, claiming the payments were tied to sensitive security operations.
The firms identified in the case include Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
Prosecutors challenged this defence, stating that no documentation or proof linked the transactions to legitimate security activities.
During the proceedings, Nwabuoku admitted to authorising the transfers, contradicting his earlier position where he denied any connection to the companies.
The prosecution further raised issues over his acquisition of a residential property, revealing that a payment of N64 million from a company was used in the transaction.
According to the EFCC, the movement of funds formed part of a coordinated effort to misappropriate public money and conceal it through private channels.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s argument, ultimately delivering a verdict that reinforces ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes within public institutions.