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

Ebonyi Journalist Assault: LG Chairman Denies Role as NUJ Demands Probe 

Fresh details have emerged in the assault of a journalist in Ebonyi State, as the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Peace Agwu, denied any involvement in the attack on Benjamin Nworie, a correspondent with THISDAY Newspapers and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state.

The incident, which has triggered outrage among media professionals, reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday at Nworie’s residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki.

According to Nworie, three suspected political thugs stormed his home and confronted him at the entrance before launching a violent attack. He alleged that the assailants dragged and beat him, punching him repeatedly in the face and mouth, while also issuing death threats against him and his family.

“The thugs forcefully dragged, beat and punched me severely… They also threatened to kill my family and me. It took the intervention of neighbours to save me,” he stated.

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He added that the incident did not come as a surprise, citing what he described as ongoing harassment linked to construction activities allegedly associated with the council chairman, which he said had repeatedly obstructed access to his residence.

In a formal petition addressed to the Ebonyi State Council of the NUJ and copied to the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nworie raised alarm over his safety, warning that his life and that of his family were in danger. He called on security agencies and colleagues to intervene urgently.

The allegation has, however, been strongly denied by the Ishielu council boss, Peace Agwu, who described the claims as false and unfounded.

“It is a false allegation. I didn’t send anybody to attack him. He should bring evidence of his claim,” she said.

Despite the denial, the attack has drawn condemnation from journalists and rights advocates, with calls for a thorough investigation into the Ebonyi journalist assault.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi is expected to escalate the matter, urging law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. Media stakeholders have warned that attacks on journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria and could create a climate of fear for media practitioners.

Security sources indicate that the case has been reported and is under review, with possible steps being taken to ensure the safety of the victim and his family. However, no arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Observers say the incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of journalists, especially at the grassroots level, where political tensions and local power struggles often intersect with media work.

As pressure mounts, attention is now on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure accountability, while safeguarding journalists carrying out their duties across the country.

Ebonyi Journalist Assault: LG Chairman Denies Role as NUJ Demands Probe

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