The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, to 72 years in prison for defrauding the government of N868 million. Justice James Omotosho handed down the judgment on Monday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had proven all nine counts of money laundering against Nwabuoku beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found that while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, Nwabuoku diverted funds that were meant for security and defence. Each of the nine counts carries an eight-year sentence, which the judge clarified would run concurrently, effectively making the prison term eight years. Justice Omotosho described the act as “appalling” and praised the EFCC for its thorough prosecution.
During the trial, evidence showed that Nwabuoku had voluntarily refunded over N200 million of the misappropriated funds during the investigation, a point the defense did not contest. Nwabuoku had been granted N500 million bail with two sureties when he was arraigned on January 15, 2025.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, had the EFCC listing Nwabuoku as the sole defendant. The ruling marks a significant development in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, sending a clear message that financial misconduct by public officials will be met with strict consequences.
