Court jails ex-accountant general 72 years

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, sentencing him to 72 years in prison for fra.ud totaling N868.46m

The commission announced the development on its X handle on Monday, revealing that Nwabuoku faced prosecution at the Federal High Court in Abuja over multiple counts of money laundering.

Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on nine amended charges of money laundering. He had served as acting AGF in May 2022 following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged N800 million fraud but was removed a few weeks later.

The EFCC stated that Nwabuoku collaborated with several companies, including Temero Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, to divert funds linked to illicit activities. The charges also included laundering approximately N86 million during his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

During the trial, the prosecution called nine witnesses, among them Zenith Bank staffer Eucharia Ezeodi and federal civil service director Felix Nweke.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja held that the EFCC had proven the nine-count charge beyond reasonable doubt. Nwabuoku was convicted on all counts and sentenced to eight years on each, totaling 72 years, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently and no option for fines.

The judge described the diversion of funds meant for security and defence as “appalling” and commended the EFCC for its handling of the case. He further noted that Nwabuoku had refunded part of the funds during the investigation, a fact uncontested by his defence.

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