Former Accountant-General Seeks More Time for Refund of Embezzled Funds
Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, has requested additional time from the Federal High Court in Abuja to complete the repayment of public funds allegedly embezzled by him and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke.
Nwabuoku and Nweke face 11 counts of money laundering involving N1.6 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the case. The alleged crimes took place while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
Nwabuoku was appointed acting Accountant-General on May 20, 2022, under then-President Muhammadu Buhari, following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged N80 billion fraud. Nwabuoku was removed from office in July 2022, only weeks after his appointment.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense requested a postponement of the arraignment to finalize the repayment process. Nweke's lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court of recent developments, stating that Nweke had made significant refunds of the funds traced to him. Onyeaka emphasized that proceeding with the arraignment could disrupt the ongoing administrative process.
Nwabuoku's lawyer, Maduakolam Igwe, supported Onyeaka's request, confirming that Nwabuoku had also made substantial refunds and communicated with the EFCC regarding the repayment.
EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam acknowledged the receipt of a proposal letter but clarified that no formal negotiations or settlements had been made. She urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to October 14 for arraignment, allowing more time for the administrative procedures to be completed.
