The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, sentencing him to 72 years in prison without the option of a fine.
Justice James Omotosho stated in his judgment that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved the nine-count money laundering charge against Nwabuoku beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the ruling, the defendant has been convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years for each of the nine counts, totaling 72 years, and specified that the sentences are to run concurrently.
The judge described Nwabuoku’s actions, which involved misappropriating funds intended for security and defense while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence, as "appalling". He also praised the EFCC for their thorough approach in the prosecution.
During the proceedings, evidence presented by the ninth prosecution witness indicated that Nwabuoku voluntarily returned a portion of the misappropriated funds, amounting to over N200 million, a fact that was not contested by the defense.
As previously reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nwabuoku was granted bail of N500 million with two sureties of the same amount after his arraignment on January 15, 2025, where he faced an amended nine-count charge.
The EFCC named Nwabuoku as the sole defendant in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024.
The financial misconduct allegedly occurred while he held the position of Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
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