The trial of former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku began on on 31 January, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presented two witnesses who detailed how Nwabuoku allegedly siphoned funds from the Ministry of Defence using multiple accounts.
Nwabuoku, a former Director of Finance and Accounts at the ministry, is facing a nine-count amended charge of money laundering totaling N868.4 million.
The first witness, Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member at Zenith Bank, testified that she opened four company accounts—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—for contractors working with the Defence Ministry.
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She told the court that large sums were withdrawn in cash from these accounts, allegedly for Nwabuoku’s benefit. The court admitted the account opening documents as Exhibit PWB.
The second witness, Felix Nweke, who served as Deputy Director of Accounts and Expenditures under Nwabuoku, testified that the defendant personally instructed him to open the four accounts.
According to Nweke, funds were transferred from the Defence Ministry’s security operations account into these company accounts. The money was later withdrawn in cash and handed over to Nwabuoku.
During cross-examination, Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Isidore Udenko, questioned whether the withdrawals were authorized solely by the defendant or if higher-ranking officials were involved.
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In response, Nweke insisted that he had acted strictly on instructions from Nwabuoku, who was his superior at the ministry.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to February 26 and March 5, for continuation.
