By Our Reporter
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to eight years in prison after finding him guilty on all nine counts of money laundering.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice James Omotosho said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court imposed an eight-year sentence on each count, to run concurrently, and rejected the option of a fine.
Justice Omotosho condemned Nwabuoku’s actions, describing them as appalling, particularly as the diverted funds were meant for security and defence during his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence.
The court also acknowledged evidence that Nwabuoku refunded over N200 million during the investigation, which was not disputed by the defence.
He was prosecuted under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024 for allegedly laundering N868 million between 2019 and 2021.