A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, to 72 years
imprisonment for money laundering involving N868.46 million.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds.
Nwabuoku was found guilty of conspiring with several companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, to convert proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court held that the EFCC had proved its case against Nwabuoku, and he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment per count, totaling 72 years.
However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning Nwabuoku will serve an effective eight-year prison term.
The EFCC had alleged that Nwabuoku laundered public funds amounting to over N868 million through various illicit financial transactions while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
Nwabuoku had pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty by the court.
He had refunded N220 million and a duplex linked to him to the EFCC during investigations.
Justice James Omotosho described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence as “appalling”. The EFCC described the conviction as a significant step in ensuring accountability and deterring financial crimes in the public sector.
