Ex-Acting Accountant General Nwabuoku Accused of Diverting ₦868.4 Million in Defence Funds
Key Witnesses Detail Alleged Fraud in EFCC Corruption Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the trial of Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, over allegations of diverting ₦868.4 million from the Federal Ministry of Defence. The trial, which began on January 31, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court, Abuja, has already revealed key witness testimonies detailing how Nwabuoku allegedly laundered public funds through multiple private bank accounts.
How Nwabuoku Allegedly Diverted Funds
The EFCC’s nine-count charge against Nwabuoku accuses him of using four companies—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—to launder funds meant for defence expenditures. According to Felix Nweke, the Deputy Director of Account and Expenditure, the defendant instructed him to open these company accounts, after which large sums of money were funneled from the Ministry’s Security Operation Account.
Another witness, Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member of Zenith Bank, testified that she facilitated the opening of the accounts, supposedly for government contractors. However, she revealed that large cash withdrawals were made from these accounts, directly benefiting Nwabuoku.
EFCC’s Case and Ongoing Trial
The EFCC maintains that Nwabuoku manipulated financial transactions to siphon public funds, a move that highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against corruption in the public sector. The trial is expected to uncover more details about the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for national security and defence operations.
With the case still in court, anti-corruption advocates and stakeholders are closely watching the proceedings, as the outcome could set a precedent for accountability in government financial management.
