The former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has requested more time from a Federal High Court in Abuja to conclude the refund of public funds he allegedly siphoned. Nwabuoku and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, are facing an 11-count charge of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving ₦1.6 billion.
The alleged offenses were committed while Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. Nwabuoku was appointed acting AGF on May 20, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud. Nwabuoku was removed from office in July 2022 after being under the EFCC’s radar for corruption allegations and was replaced by Sylva Okolieaboh.
During the court session on Wednesday, Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court of developments indicating steps toward resolving the matter. Onyeaka stated that his client had made substantial refunds of the money traced to him. Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Maduakolam Igwe, also confirmed that his client had made similar refunds.
However, EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam noted that while the commission received a proposal letter, no negotiations, settlements, or agreements had been reached. Justice James Omotosho, in response, set a new date for the arraignment, adjourning the case until October 14.
The EFCC alleges that Nwabuoku, Nweke, and others converted funds derived from unlawful activities for personal use, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. The charges include converting ₦262,602,897.27 paid into the Zenith Bank account of Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, among other counts.