Court Sets Strict Conditions as EFCC Alleges ₦1.96bn Fraud
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Anamekwe Nwabuoku, a former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, who is facing charges of money laundering. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, set the bail at ₦500 million after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a revised nine-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As part of the stringent bail conditions, Nwabuoku must provide two sureties, each owning properties in Abuja valued at no less than ₦250 million. The court further instructed that the sureties submit their bank statements and three years’ tax clearance certificates, which will be verified by the court’s Deputy Registrar.
Allegations Against Nwabuoku
Nwabuoku’s legal troubles trace back to his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. According to the EFCC, he allegedly connived with four companies to misappropriate ₦1.96 billion.
The companies named in the case include:
- Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large)
- Turge Global Investment Limited (at large)
- Laptev Bridge Limited
- Arafura Transnational Afro Limited
The EFCC argues that these actions violated Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (amended in 2012), and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the same law.
Background and Co-Defendant Turned Witness
Nwabuoku briefly served as Acting Accountant-General of the Federation in 2022 after his predecessor, Ahmed Idris, was suspended and charged with laundering ₦80.2 billion. However, investigations into allegations of financial misconduct led to Nwabuoku’s removal from office within weeks of his appointment.
Initially, the EFCC had also charged Felix Nweke, a former Deputy Director at the Ministry of Defence, as a co-defendant. However, during the court session on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency revealed that Nweke is no longer a defendant but will instead serve as the prosecution’s lead witness against Nwabuoku.
Next Steps
Justice Omotosho has scheduled the trial to begin on January 31, when the court will commence a full hearing of the case.
