Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a 72-year prison sentence to Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, after convicting him on all nine counts of a money-laundering charge.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully proven the case “beyond reasonable doubt,” and stated that “the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.”
The court sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years for each of the nine counts, totaling 72 years, though the judge ordered that the sentences shall “run concurrently.”
During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho characterized Nwabuoku’s actions—which involved diverting funds intended for national security and defense while he was the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence—as “appalling.”
He further commended the EFCC for being “detailed in its prosecution” and noted that the defense failed to challenge evidence showing that Nwabuoku “voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over ₦200 million” during the investigation.
Nwabuoku, who was originally arraigned on January 15, 2025, was found to have carried out the illegal activities between 2019 and 2021.
Despite previously being granted bail of “₦500 million with two sureties,” the judge emphasized the severity of the crime by refusing any “option of fine.”
