Ex-Accountant-General Nwabuoku Jailed 72 Years Over N868m Fraud in Landmark EFCC Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to 72 years in prison after finding him guilty of fraud involving N868.46 million.

The conviction followed a prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which charged Nwabuoku with offences bordering on money laundering and the diversion of public funds.

According to the anti-graft agency, the case involved the concealment and movement of over N868 million through a series of financial transactions intended to obscure the source and ownership of the funds.

In a statement shared on its official X handle, the EFCC described the ruling as a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability within Nigeria’s public sector.

“The former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku… has been convicted and sentenced to jail for 72 years,” the agency stated.

The court reached its decision after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution, which detailed how the funds were allegedly laundered across multiple transactions.

The 72-year sentence reflects the cumulative penalties imposed for the various counts on which he was convicted.

Nwabuoku previously served briefly as Acting Accountant-General before being removed from office amid allegations of financial misconduct.

The case adds to a series of high-profile anti-corruption prosecutions in Nigeria, as authorities continue efforts to tackle financial crimes in public institutions.