A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72-year prison term over a ₦868 million fraud case.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho found Nwabuoku guilty on multiple counts bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds. The conviction follows a prolonged trial in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented evidence linking him to the diversion of government funds.
According to the prosecution, the offences were committed during Nwabuoku’s tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, before his brief appointment as acting Accountant-General in 2022.
The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the funds in question were proceeds of unlawful activities routed through multiple channels.
Although the sentence totals 72 years, it is understood that the terms may run concurrently, in line with standard judicial practice in similar cases.
Nwabuoku had earlier pleaded for leniency during the trial, while his legal team challenged the strength of the evidence presented against him. However, the court dismissed his arguments, ruling that the evidence and testimonies provided by witnesses sufficiently established his culpability.
The judgment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on financial crimes involving public officials.
