Ex-Acting AGF Nwabuoku Seeks Time to Negotiate with EFCC Over N1.96bn Fraud Case
A former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who is standing trial for alleged N1.96 billion fraud, has pleaded with the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant him time to negotiate a settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The request came as the anti-graft agency prepared to present five additional witnesses in the case.
Nwabuoku, who is facing a nine-count charge, made the plea during Wednesday’s court proceedings. Although he was represented by his lawyer, Mr. Isidore Udenko, the defendant informed the court that he had engaged the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to help broker an out-of-court settlement with the EFCC.
Defendant’s Plea for Negotiation
Udenko explained that the matter had proceeded to trial after Nwabuoku’s initial attempt to reach an agreement with the EFCC failed. “The defendant has engaged a SAN to help negotiate with the EFCC. We kindly request the court to grant us time to explore this option,” Udenko said.
The EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, did not oppose the request, stating that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial but would not object if a settlement could serve the interests of justice. “Even though our five witnesses are in court and we are ready to go on with the trial, if the defendant’s request will meet the justice of the case, we will not be opposing,” Iheanacho said.
Court Adjourns for Settlement or Trial
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, deferred further proceedings to March 13, 2025, to allow time for either a settlement report or the continuation of the trial. “The case is adjourned for either a report of settlement or for continuation of hearing,” the judge ruled.
Background of the Case
Nwabuoku was appointed as Acting AGF in May 2022 following the suspension of the then Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris, who was also facing trial for allegedly laundering public funds totaling about N80.2 billion. However, Nwabuoku’s tenure was short-lived, as he was removed from office in July 2022 after the EFCC accused him of embezzling public funds.
The former Acting AGF was subsequently charged to court alongside a Director in the Federal Civil Service, Mr. Felix Nweke. However, the EFCC later amended the charge and delisted Nweke as the second defendant after he agreed to testify against Nwabuoku.
Allegations of Fraud
In the amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24, the EFCC alleged that Nwabuoku used four different companies to siphon public funds amounting to N1.96 billion. The anti-graft agency claimed that the funds were channeled into bank accounts with Gideon Joseph as the sole signatory in an attempt to conceal the fraud.
During the trial, Nweke, who testified as the second prosecution witness (PW-2), revealed how the looted funds were diverted and concealed. “The funds were moved through various accounts to hide the fraud,” Nweke told the court.
Implications of the Case
The case against Nwabuoku highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption and financial mismanagement in Nigeria’s public sector. The EFCC’s efforts to prosecute high-profile individuals accused of embezzling public funds underscore the need for accountability and transparency in government.
If Nwabuoku’s attempt to negotiate a settlement with the EFCC is successful, it could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. However, if the negotiations fail, the trial will proceed, and the court will determine his guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.
As the case adjourns to March 13, all eyes will be on the outcome of the negotiations between Nwabuoku and the EFCC. The resolution of this high-profile fraud case will have significant implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption and its efforts to ensure accountability in public office. For now, the court’s decision to allow time for a potential settlement reflects a commitment to justice while leaving the door open for a negotiated resolution.
