By Correspondent in Abuja m
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 13 for ruling on a no-case submission filed by the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, in his ongoing trial over alleged ₦868 million money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho scheduled the date after hearing arguments from counsel representing both parties — Harrison Quakers (SAN) for Nwabuoku and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Quakers urged the court to discharge and acquit his client, arguing that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case despite the testimonies of its witnesses and the exhibits tendered.
However, EFCC’s lawyer, Iheanacho, opposed the submission, insisting that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking the defendant to the alleged offences. He urged the court to dismiss the application and order Nwabuoku to open his defence.
The EFCC had, in an amended nine-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, accused Nwabuoku of laundering ₦868 million, allegedly diverted through several companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Ltd (at large), Turge Global Investment Ltd (at large), Laptev Bridge Ltd, and Arafura Transnational Afro Ltd (at large).
The anti-graft agency said the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Nwabuoku allegedly committed the offence while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
He was later appointed Acting Accountant-General of the Federation on May 20, 2022, following the suspension of his predecessor, Ahmed Idris, over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud. However, Nwabuoku was removed in July 2022, barely weeks into the position, after reports emerged that he was under EFCC investigation.
He was granted ₦500 million bail with two sureties in like sum after his arraignment on January 15, 2025.
The EFCC closed its case after calling nine witnesses, including Eucharia Ezeodi, a staff of Zenith Bank Plc, and Felix Nweke, a federal civil service director.
The court’s ruling on November 13 will determine whether Nwabuoku will be discharged or required to enter his defence.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
