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

SSS Storms Malami’s Abuja Residence After Atiku Visit, Disperses Occupants

Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Monday stormed a property belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Maitama, Abuja, violently dispersing occupants shortly after a visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The dramatic development has intensified concerns over Nigeria’s political atmosphere, particularly as tensions rise ahead of the next election cycle.

According to sources, Atiku arrived at the residence earlier in the day and spent about an hour with Malami in what aides described as a private meeting. Witnesses said operatives of the SSS raid had already surrounded the premises while the meeting was ongoing but held back until the former vice-president departed.

Shortly after Atiku’s exit, security agents reportedly moved into the compound, dispersing aides, visitors, and other occupants in what appeared to be a coordinated operation. The action has since sparked widespread reactions, although there has been no official confirmation of arrests or injuries.

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The motive behind the SSS operation in Abuja remains unclear, as the agency has yet to issue a formal statement. Requests for comments from its spokesperson were not immediately answered at the time of filing this report.

The incident comes at a time of mounting political pressure on opposition figures, including Malami, to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Critics have alleged that the administration of Bola Tinubu is leveraging state institutions to weaken opposition ahead of future elections.

However, President Tinubu has consistently denied allegations of political victimisation, maintaining that his government is committed to democratic principles and that his performance in office since 2023 will be the basis for reelection.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Malami is currently facing an ongoing corruption trial, a development some analysts and political allies have described as politically motivated. The timing of the SSS raid on Malami residence—coming shortly after a high-profile visit by Atiku—has further fueled speculation and scrutiny.

Earlier in the day, Atiku shared photos of his visit to Malami on social media but did not comment on the subsequent raid, leaving questions about the meeting and its aftermath unanswered.

The State Security Service has historically played a central role in Nigeria’s internal security framework. However, its involvement in politically sensitive matters has often drawn criticism, with observers warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

As reactions continue to trail the incident, stakeholders are calling for transparency and an official explanation from authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.

SSS Storms Malami’s Abuja Residence After Atiku Visit, Disperses Occupants

Many Feared Dead as Terrorists Bomb Bridge in Niger, Target Troop Movement

Suspected terrorists have bombed a major bridge along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving many feared dead and disrupting both military operations and commercial activities in the region.

The explosion, which occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, is believed to have been carried out using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), in what security authorities suspect was a calculated attempt to hinder ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The destroyed bridge serves as a critical link between Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities—areas that have come under repeated attacks in recent months. Its destruction has effectively cut off movement across the axis, worsening insecurity and isolating residents.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack was reported at about 6:30 a.m., hours after the explosion had already taken place.

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He revealed that intelligence suggests the attackers may have operated from the nearby Kainji National Park, a vast forest area that has increasingly been linked to the activities of armed groups and bandits.

According to Abiodun, the bombing appears to be strategically targeted at weakening security presence and disrupting troop deployments in the area, noting that security agencies have since intensified monitoring, clearance, and patrol operations.

Residents said the impact of the attack extends beyond security concerns, as economic activities have been severely affected. The Babana border market—an important commercial hub that operates every Monday—was largely deserted, with traders unable to access the area due to the damaged bridge and fear of further attacks.

In a related development, local sources disclosed that a commercial vehicle carrying eight passengers reportedly ran over another IED along the Nuku-Woro Road, killing all occupants instantly. The incident, believed to have occurred within the same axis, has heightened fears among residents.

While community members insist the explosive device may have been planted by bandits, the police have yet to officially confirm the reported deaths of the eight travellers.

Security analysts warn that the use of coordinated IED attacks on both infrastructure and civilian routes signals a dangerous escalation in tactics by armed groups, aimed at isolating communities, crippling local economies, and stretching security forces.

The latest incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Niger State, particularly around forested regions that provide cover for criminal elements. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the affected areas and prevent further attacks.

Many Feared Dead as Terrorists Bomb Bridge in Niger, Target Troop Movement