EFCC arraigns Nwabuoku, former accountant-general, over ‘N1.96bn money laundering’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Anamekwe Nwabuoku, a former acting accountant-general of the federation (AGF), over money laundering allegations worth N1.96 billion.

In July 2024, the EFCC brought Nwabuoku and Felix Nweke, a former deputy director in the ministry of defence, before a federal high court in Abuja.

However, the arraignment was suspended after the defendants opted for a plea bargain in October 2024 and appealed to the court to give them more time to refund what they were accused of stealing.

At the court session on Wednesday, Martha Babatunde, counsel to the EFCC, asked that the amended charge be read to Nwabuoku.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge.

Although the prosecution opposed the oral bail application, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, granted Nwabuoku bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

In addition, Omotosho ordered that the sureties must be owners of landed properties within Abuja, adding that the value of the properties should not be less than N250 million each.

The judge also said the sureties must also depose to an affidavit of means and submit their bank statements and tax clearance for three years, all of which would be verified by the court’s registrar.

The matter has been adjourned for the commencement of trial.