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Ex-Acting AGF Faces Money Laundering Charges Over Alleged Diversion of Public Funds

 


A former Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, is at the center of a high-profile money laundering trial, accused of using multiple bank accounts to siphon public funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought a revised nine-count charge against him, alleging the misappropriation of ₦868,465,000.


During a recent court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, key witnesses provided damning testimony against Nwabuoku. Eucharia Ezeobi, a Zenith Bank employee and the EFCC’s first witness, revealed that she opened four corporate accounts for contractors associated with the Federal Ministry of Defence. These companies—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—were allegedly used to facilitate the diversion of funds.


Under the guidance of EFCC counsel Ekene Iheanacho, SAN, Ezeobi testified that substantial cash withdrawals were made from these accounts, with Nwabuoku reportedly benefiting directly from the transactions. The court admitted the account-opening documents as evidence, marking them as Exhibits PWB.


The EFCC’s second witness, Felix Nweke, a director at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, further implicated Nwabuoku. Nweke, who previously served as Deputy Director of Finance at the Federal Ministry of Defence between 2018 and 2020, stated that he worked under Nwabuoku and was involved in processing payments. He alleged that the former AGF instructed him to establish company accounts to access funds.


Nweke explained that he collaborated with Gideon Joseph, a resource person at the ministry, to open the accounts at Zenith Bank with Ezeobi’s assistance. During cross-examination, Nweke clarified that while Nwabuoku was not an official approving officer, he played a significant role in the disbursement of funds. He also noted that the ministry’s funding was governed by the Appropriation Bill approved by the President.


This trial marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s efforts to combat corruption and financial misconduct within public institutions. The allegations against Nwabuoku highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.


As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of government resources. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future prosecutions of high-ranking officials involved in financial crimes.

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