\n\nA Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to prison over a ₦868.4 million fraud case. Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho found him guilty on nine counts of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. 
The court sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each count, amounting to 72 years in total, although the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a shorter effective term. The charges stem from his time as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, where he was accused of diverting public funds meant for security purposes. Evidence presented during the trial included financial records and testimony showing that part of the funds had been traced and partially refunded during investigations. 
Nwabuoku briefly served as Acting Accountant-General in 2022 following the suspension of Ahmed Idris, but was removed shortly after. His conviction marks another high-profile case in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, with analysts noting that it reflects continued efforts by authorities to hold senior public officials accountable and deter financial misconduct within government institutions.
