Court Jails Ex-Acting Accountant-General 72 Years Over N868m Fraud

Court Jails Ex-Acting Accountant-General 72 Years Over N868m Fraud

The Federal High Court has convicted and sentenced former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to 72 years imprisonment without an option of fine over his involvement in a N868 million fraud case.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved all nine counts of money laundering and financial misconduct beyond reasonable doubt.

The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, centered on allegations that Nwabuoku diverted public funds while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. The offences involved the mismanagement and concealment of funds earmarked for security and defence expenditures, a matter the court described as particularly serious.

Justice Omotosho convicted the defendant on all nine counts, imposing eight years imprisonment on each count. Although the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, the ruling effectively amounts to a 72-year jail term, underscoring the gravity of the offences.

In his judgment, the court held that the prosecution presented credible, consistent, and well-substantiated evidence linking the defendant to the diversion of public funds. The judge also noted that the defence failed to successfully challenge key elements of the EFCC’s case.

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The court further referenced testimony indicating that Nwabuoku had voluntarily refunded part of the alleged stolen funds—over N200 million—during the course of investigation. However, the judge emphasized that such restitution did not absolve him of criminal liability, particularly given the strength of the evidence presented.

Describing the actions of the convict as “appalling,” Justice Omotosho commended the EFCC for its detailed investigation and prosecution, noting that the agency had demonstrated diligence in presenting its case before the court.

Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, after being granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties. He faced a nine-count amended charge of money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.

Throughout the proceedings, the EFCC called multiple witnesses and tendered documentary evidence to establish a pattern of financial irregularities and concealment of illicit proceeds. The court ultimately found that the prosecution had discharged its burden of proof.

The conviction represents one of the notable outcomes in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, particularly involving senior public officials entrusted with managing sensitive government finances.

Legal observers say the judgment reinforces judicial commitment to accountability and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of public fund misappropriation and money laundering.

Although the judgment has been delivered, Nwabuoku is expected to explore the option of appeal at a higher court, which may further determine the final outcome of the case.

Court Jails Ex-Acting Accountant-General 72 Years Over N868m Fraud