The trial of former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, commenced on Friday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with witnesses detailing how he allegedly diverted N868,465,000 through multiple companies.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge of money laundering. The defendant, who previously served as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Defence, is accused of siphoning funds through four companies—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
During Friday’s hearing, Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member of Zenith Bank, testified that she facilitated the opening of the four company accounts, which were later used for financial transactions linked to the ministry. According to her, large cash withdrawals were made from these accounts, allegedly benefiting Nwabuoku. The court admitted the account opening documents as Exhibit PWB.
Another witness, Felix Nweke, the deputy director of accounts and expenditures under Nwabuoku’s supervision, testified that he was instructed by the defendant to open the accounts. He further revealed that funds were transferred from the Ministry of Defence’s security operation account into these company accounts, after which they were withdrawn in cash and handed over to Nwabuoku.
Under cross-examination, Nweke maintained that he acted strictly on the defendant’s instructions. The defence counsel, Isidore Udenko, sought to determine if the withdrawals were authorized solely by Nwabuoku or involved higher-ranking officials, but Nweke insisted that the defendant issued the directives.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to February 26 and March 5, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
