Former Accountant-General Nwabuoku’s Alleged Financial Misconduct Unveiled
The trial of former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, commenced on January 31, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Nwabuoku faces a nine-count amended charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging money laundering totaling ₦868,465,000.
During the proceedings, two key witnesses provided testimonies detailing how funds were allegedly diverted from the Federal Ministry of Defence through four companies.
Eucharia Ezeobi’s Testimony:
Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member of Zenith Bank, testified that she facilitated the opening of accounts for four companies:
- Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited
- Turge Global Investment Limited
- Laptev Bridge Limited
- Arafura Transnational Afro Limited
These accounts were purportedly for contractors associated with the Ministry of Defence. Ezeobi noted that substantial cash withdrawals were made from these accounts, allegedly benefiting Nwabuoku.
Felix Nweke’s Testimony:
Felix Nweke, the Deputy Director of Accounts and Expenditure under Nwabuoku’s supervision at the Ministry of Defence, testified that Nwabuoku personally instructed him to open the aforementioned company accounts. He stated that funds were transferred from the ministry’s security operation account to these company accounts, subsequently withdrawn in cash, and handed over to Nwabuoku.
Under cross-examination, when questioned by defense counsel Isidore Udenko about whether higher authorities authorized the withdrawals, Nweke maintained that he acted solely on instructions from Nwabuoku, his direct superior.