The Federal High Court has convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation to a cumulative 72-year prison term over an N868 million fraud.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice James Omotosho found the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation guilty on a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and accordingly convicted the defendant on all counts.
Omotosho sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each of the nine counts, amounting to 72 years. The judge, however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
The court described as “appalling” the diversion of public funds meant for security and defence, noting that the offences were committed while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
The judge also noted that evidence presented by the prosecution showed that the defendant refunded over N200 million during investigation, a claim that was not challenged by the defence.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on an amended nine-count charge and was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
The EFCC listed him as the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024.
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