Former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, requested additional time from Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday to complete the repayment of public funds allegedly misappropriated by him and his co-defendant. Both are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges against them stem from their tenure at the Ministry of Defence, with Nwabuoku serving as Director of Finance and Accounts between 2019 and 2021. The case is detailed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24, dated May 20 and filed on May 27, as presented by EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho. Nwabuoku had been appointed acting Accountant-General in May 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari but was subsequently removed from office in July 2022.
During the court session, the defendants requested a postponement of their arraignment to allow more time for the completion of their repayment commitments. Emeka Onyeaka, representing the second defendant Nweke, informed the court that substantial refunds had already been made to the EFCC, with ongoing communication regarding the settlement process.
Onyeaka stated, “The second defendant has taken steps, as there is a communication to the commission via-a-vs the alleged offences on making a refund. The commission is in receipt of the money and promised to communicate to us.” He emphasized that proceeding with arraignment at this stage might disrupt ongoing efforts to resolve the matter administratively.
Maduakolam Igwe, representing Nwabuoku, echoed similar sentiments, confirming that his client had also made significant refunds and had corresponded with the commission regarding the refund process. Both defense counsels appealed to the court for an adjournment to allow for the completion of necessary administrative procedures.
In response, EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam acknowledged the receipt of a proposal letter regarding the refunds but clarified that no formal negotiations, settlements, or agreements had been reached between the parties yet.
The court adjourned the case to a later date to allow the defendants to finalize the administrative procedures concerning the refunds.
