Court Orders Former Acting Accountant-General To Open Defence In Money Laundering Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Anamekwe Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima facie case against Nwabuoku, requiring him to enter his defence. The judge stated that the prosecution’s evidence and exhibits are sufficient to warrant the continuation of the trial.

“In view of all the exhibits and the evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant needs to provide some explanations on these matters,” Justice Omotosho said.

He added, “Holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendant guilty. The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution has the duty to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The judge noted that the court was inclined to give Nwabuoku the opportunity to defend himself, explaining that such an opportunity could be waived either expressly or by conduct.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to November 24, 25, and December 9 for the defendant to open and close his defence.

Nwabuoku was arraigned on a nine-count amended charge bordering on money laundering. He was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, the EFCC accused Nwabuoku of conspiring with several companies including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—to convert funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012), and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.

The commission stated that Nwabuoku committed the offences while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He was later appointed Acting Accountant-General of the Federation on May 20, 2022, by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged N80 billion fraud.

However, Nwabuoku was removed from the position in July 2022, just weeks after assuming office, following reports that he was under EFCC investigation.