Appeal Court rejects former Accountant-General’s bail application in N868m fraud trial

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has refused to grant bail to former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction for fraud, money laundering and the diversion of N868.4 million in public funds.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision delivered on Friday, dismissed Nwabuoku’s application for bail, ruling that it lacked merit. The three-member panel, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, held that the former public official failed to present sufficient grounds to justify his release while his appeal is awaiting determination.

The ruling represents another legal setback for Nwabuoku, who was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 23, 2026, after being found guilty on a nine-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the trial, held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently convicted Nwabuoku on all nine counts and sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment on each count, bringing the total sentence to 72 years. However, the judge ordered that the sentences should run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve the prison terms simultaneously rather than consecutively.

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Dissatisfied with the judgment, Nwabuoku, through his lawyer, Norrison Quakers (SAN), filed a notice of appeal on May 8, 2026, challenging both his conviction and sentence. He also asked the Court of Appeal to grant him bail pending the determination of the appeal.

In his application, the former Acting Accountant-General argued that his health had deteriorated significantly while in custody. He claimed that the medical facilities available at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which provides healthcare services for inmates of the Kuje Correctional Centre, were inadequate to manage his condition and that he required specialised medical treatment outside the correctional facility.

The EFCC, however, opposed the application through a counter-affidavit filed by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN). The anti-graft agency argued that the offences for which Nwabuoku was convicted involved the diversion of substantial public funds, undermining government efforts to tackle insecurity and deliver critical public services.

The commission further submitted that the applicant failed to provide credible medical evidence showing that his health condition could not be adequately managed within the existing correctional healthcare system.

According to the EFCC, records from the correctional authorities indicated that Nwabuoku had received regular medical attention and had not been denied access to healthcare whenever the need arose. The commission also maintained that the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital possesses the capacity to provide specialist care, including surgical procedures where necessary.

The anti-corruption agency argued that granting bail to a convict found guilty of large-scale corruption before the conclusion of his appeal would erode public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and weaken the country’s ongoing fight against corruption, money laundering and the misuse of public resources.

The EFCC further contended that releasing the former Acting Accountant-General at this stage could create the impression that high-profile corruption convicts receive preferential treatment, contrary to the principles of justice and accountability.

After reviewing the submissions of both parties, the Court of Appeal agreed with the prosecution and dismissed the bail application, holding that the applicant failed to establish exceptional circumstances required under the law to justify bail after conviction.

The substantive appeal challenging Nwabuoku’s conviction and sentence is expected to be heard by the Court of Appeal at a later date.

The case is one of several high-profile corruption prosecutions pursued by the EFCC as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability in the management of public finances and deter financial crimes within Nigeria’s public service.

Appeal Court rejects former Accountant-General’s bail application in N868m fraud trial

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo hails rescue of abducted Oriire pupils, teachers

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has welcomed the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their freedom after 56 days in captivity as a moment of relief and thanksgiving for the state and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Islamic leader expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for what he described as the safe return of the victims, saying the development had renewed hope among the affected families and Nigerians.

He said the rescue marked the end of weeks of anxiety following the abduction, which drew widespread concern across the country and prompted sustained rescue efforts by security agencies.

The Grand Chief Imam commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as the directives that culminated in the intelligence-led rescue operation.

He also praised the President’s pledge to ensure justice for the victims and to provide medical care and humanitarian support for the rescued children and teachers.

Sheikh Akeugberu equally acknowledged the role of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, commending the state government for working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the rescue efforts.

He also expressed appreciation to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abdul Hakeem Abimbola Owoade Elewuetu I, for his leadership, concern and support for the affected communities during the period of captivity.

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The cleric reserved special commendation for the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other intelligence and security agencies, praising their professionalism, resilience and coordinated operations that led to the successful rescue of the victims.

According to him, the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel in protecting lives and preserving national security deserve recognition and continued public support.

He also appreciated Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, media practitioners and Nigerians who stood by the victims’ families through prayers, advocacy and other forms of support while the children and teachers remained in captivity.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the Grand Chief Imam expressed condolences to the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who was killed during the ordeal, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss.

He called on governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools and communities to prevent future attacks, stressing that the protection of children and educational institutions must remain a national priority.

The Islamic leader further urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information and to promote unity in the collective effort to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of violent crime.

The rescue operation ended a 56-day ordeal that began on May 15, 2026, when armed kidnappers attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers in one of the most significant school kidnapping incidents recorded in Nigeria’s South-West.

Security agencies later confirmed that the victims were rescued during an intelligence-led operation in which some of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised while others were arrested.

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo hails rescue of abducted Oriire pupils, teachers

MURIC demands swift prosecution of Oriire terrorists after rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State chapter, has called for the immediate prosecution of suspects arrested over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that those responsible for the attack must face swift justice to deter future acts of terrorism and kidnapping.

The call followed the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing to an end one of the most disturbing school kidnapping incidents recorded in Nigeria’s South-West in recent years.

In a statement issued on Friday, the General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his unwavering commitment to securing the victims’ freedom.

He also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a major victory against terrorism and organised crime.

Agunbiade further applauded security operatives for neutralising some of the suspected kidnappers and arresting eight others during the intelligence-led rescue mission, saying the operation had restored hope to the victims’ families and Nigerians.

He, however, stressed that the successful rescue should not mark the end of the government’s response, urging authorities to ensure that all suspects arrested in connection with the attack are prosecuted without unnecessary delay.

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According to him, President Tinubu’s assurance that justice would be served should be followed by a transparent, speedy and diligent judicial process capable of reinforcing public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He warned that prolonged delays in prosecuting terrorism and kidnapping cases could weaken public trust in the rule of law while encouraging criminal groups to continue targeting innocent citizens.

The MURIC official maintained that terrorism, kidnapping, murder and every act capable of spreading fear among innocent people are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Quoting Qur’an 5:33, Agunbiade said Islamic teachings prescribe severe consequences for those who wage violence against society and engage in acts that threaten public safety.

He argued that attempts to associate terrorism with Islam are misleading, insisting that the religion places great emphasis on protecting lives, preserving human dignity and maintaining peace and security.

According to him, Islam forbids not only acts of terrorism but also any action that unnecessarily frightens or harms innocent people.

Agunbiade said those responsible for the Oriire school abduction should face the full weight of the law through a fair and expeditious trial, adding that justice must be both swift and proportionate to serve as a deterrent to others.

He noted that while the rescue operation had restored hope to the affected families, ensuring accountability through successful prosecution would further strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He urged the Federal Government to sustain ongoing security operations against criminal groups across the country while strengthening intelligence gathering, community policing and the protection of schools and other vulnerable public institutions.

The MURIC scribe added that Nigeria must continue to demonstrate that terrorism has no place within its borders and that those who attack innocent citizens will always face justice through lawful means.

Security agencies recently rescued the abducted pupils and teachers after an intelligence-led operation that reportedly forced the kidnappers to flee their forest hideout, abandoning the victims. During the operation, some members of the gang were neutralised while eight suspects were arrested and are currently in custody for further investigation and prosecution.

MURIC demands swift prosecution of Oriire terrorists after rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers