EFCC Takes Legal Action Against Ex-Acting Accountant-General in ₦1.96 Billion Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), on charges of money laundering involving ₦1.96 billion.

Nwabuoku appeared before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja and pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge related to financial misconduct during his tenure.

The charges come after a delayed court process. In October 2024, Nwabuoku and Felix Nweke, a former deputy director in the Ministry of Defence, sought a plea bargain, requesting additional time to refund the alleged stolen funds.

EFCC counsel, Martha Babatunde, requested the amended charges be read in court. After Nwabuoku’s plea, his legal team applied for bail, which the prosecution initially opposed.

Despite the opposition, Justice Omotosho granted Nwabuoku bail in the amount of ₦500 million, with strict conditions attached.

The bail conditions include:

– Two sureties with properties worth at least ₦250 million each within Abuja.
– Submission of the sureties’ bank statements and tax clearance for the past three years.
– Deposition of affidavits of means by the sureties.

Justice Omotosho directed the court registrar to verify all documents submitted.

The court adjourned the case for the trial to commence, focusing on the details of the allegations against Nwabuoku and his co-defendant.