A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted and sentenced a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72 years in prison over a N868 million fraud case.
Delivering judgment, James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully proved all nine counts of money laundering against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each count, totalling 72 years.
However, the judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.
Justice Omotosho described the offence as “appalling,” noting that the funds diverted were meant for security and defence during Nwabuoku’s tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
The court also acknowledged evidence presented by the prosecution indicating that the convict refunded over N200 million during the investigation, a claim that was not challenged by the defence.
Nwabuoku was earlier granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties following his arraignment in January 2025 on the amended nine-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
The ruling marks a significant milestone in the prosecution of high-profile financial crimes, reinforcing ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within Nigeria’s public sector.
