Nigerian Court jails Ex-AGoF Nwabuoku 72 years for N868m fraud

Crime Diary

CRIME WATCH (NPA) — March 24, 2026—The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to 72 years in prison for laundering N868 million.

Justice James Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku on nine counts brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Each count carried eight years, but the terms will run concurrently, meaning he will serve eight years.

The judge dismissed objections to Nwabuoku’s confessional statements, noting: “At the point of tendering these statements, Exhibits PWT, PWV2 and Exhibit DWI were not objected to by defence counsel. This failure is deemed an admission that the statements were made voluntarily… Consequently, this court is entitled to rely on the statements.”

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Omotosho stressed that criminal trials require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, given their impact on liberty. He explained that while the prosecution need not call a set number of witnesses, it must present material evidence. Reviewing the case, he found the EFCC had proven all elements of the charges.

Evidence showed Nwabuoku diverted defence funds into securities through shell companies, describing it as “a classic example of money laundering.” His account balance rose from under N3 million before 2019 to tens of millions thereafter, coinciding with the offences. The judge condemned the diversion of funds meant for national security, calling it “appalling and revealing.” He praised EFCC’s detailed investigation, noting Nwabuoku refunded N220 million during the inquiry but said this did not absolve him.

During allocution, Nwabuoku and his lawyer pleaded for leniency, citing his 35 years of service, remorse, and family circumstances. Nwabuoku himself begged the court to temper justice with mercy, pledging to refund the remaining funds. Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the stage for refunds had passed, and imposed the sentence in line with the Money Laundering Act, which prescribes seven to 14 years per count.

The EFCC may file for forfeiture of assets linked to the fraud. Nwabuoku’s sentence began on March 23, 2026.