A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to a total of 72 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of money laundering.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved its case against the defendant.
Nwabuoku had been arraigned on an amended nine-count charge bordering on money laundering and fraud involving N868.4 million. Although he was earlier granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like amount, the court ultimately convicted him on all counts.
Justice Omotosho sentenced him to eight years imprisonment on each of the nine counts, bringing the cumulative sentence to 72 years. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
The judge described as “appalling” the diversion of funds meant for security and defence during Nwabuoku’s tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence.
Omotosho also commended the EFCC for what he termed a thorough and diligent prosecution of the case. He further noted that the defence did not challenge the testimony of the ninth prosecution witness, which revealed that the defendant voluntarily refunded over N200 million during the investigation.
