The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has set February 10, 2026, for the cross-examination of Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, who is facing allegations of financial misconduct.
James Omotosho (Justice) gave the date during proceedings on Monday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to prosecute Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge of money laundering, involving a total sum of N868,465,000.
During the session, Nwabuoku, who is the first defence witness (DW1) in the trial, denied all allegations of fraud and money laundering.
While giving evidence under the guidance of his counsel, N. I. Quakers, he stated that he had previously been invited by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he made statements regarding the matter.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, he pleaded with the court to discharge and acquit him of all charges.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until February 10, 2026, to allow the prosecution to cross-examine the former acting AGF.
In a related development, operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC have arrested 10 suspects and impounded trucks laden with solid minerals over alleged illegal mining activities along the Ilorin, Ogbomosho axis of Kwara State.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday, February 1, 2026, following what the anti-graft agency described as credible intelligence linking them to the unlawful excavation and transportation of solid minerals across parts of Kwara and neighbouring Oyo State.
According to the EFCC, the suspects comprise nine truck drivers and one escort, who were intercepted during a coordinated sting operation carried out by operatives of the commission.
According to the agency, the operation led to the seizure of several trucks conveying solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined.
“Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of lithium, tin and lepidolite, all of which the EFCC said were being transported without the requisite licences, permits or regulatory approvals required under Nigeria’s mining and solid minerals laws”, it added.
The commission stated that preliminary investigations revealed that none of the suspects possessed valid authorisation to engage in mining, mineral processing or haulage of the recovered resources, raising concerns over revenue losses to the government and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining activities.
“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation in the area,” the EFCC said in a statement signed by Oyewale.
The EFCC added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
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