The legal battle of a former acting Accountant-General is heading for a decisive moment.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 13 for judgment in the N868 million money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku.
Justice James Omotosho set the date after both sides adopted their final written addresses. The EFCC alleges that Nwabuoku conspired with several companies — some still at large — to convert funds believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Nwabuoku, who served as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, was later appointed acting AGoF in May 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was removed weeks later amid corruption allegations.
Initially arraigned on a nine-count amended charge, Nwabuoku was granted N500 million bail. The EFCC called nine witnesses before closing its case. His no-case submission was dismissed last November, with the court ruling that a prima facie case had been established and directing him to open his defence.
The former AGoF has denied the allegations, including claims linking him as a signatory to certain companies. He had earlier explored a plea bargain option but later abandoned it.
With arguments now concluded, all eyes are on April 13, when the court will decide his fate in the high-profile anti-corruption trial.
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