Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, in his ongoing ₦868 million fraud trial.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against Nwabuoku, warranting him to open his defence.
The judge ruled, “In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendant needs to give some explanations in these regards”.
Justice Omotosho however, clarified that establishing a prima facie case does not amount to a declaration of guilt.
He added, “The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The court consequently ordered Nwabuoku to enter his defence, noting that while the opportunity to defend oneself could be waived, the case must proceed on the merits. The matter was adjourned to November 24, 25, and December 9 for continuation of the trial.
Nwabuoku is standing trial on a nine-count amended charge filed by the EFCC, accusing him of laundering ₦868 million in collaboration with several firms, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences violate Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
EFCC claims the offences were committed between 2019 and 2021 while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence. He was granted bail for ₦500 million, with two sureties in like amount.
Recall that Nwabuoku was appointed acting Accountant-General of the Federation on May 20, 2022, by then-President Muhammadu Buhari following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud. However, his appointment was short-lived, as he was removed from office in July 2022 after reports surfaced that he, too, was under EFCC investigation.
