The trial of Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, began on Friday, January 31, with witnesses detailing how funds were allegedly siphoned from the Ministry of Defence into multiple accounts linked to the defendant.
Nwabuoku, who previously served as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Defence, is facing a nine-count amended charge of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges involve a sum of ₦868,465,000.
Earlier this month, on January 16, Justice James Omotosho granted Nwabuoku bail in the amount of ₦500 million.
During Friday’s proceedings, the EFCC prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, called two witnesses to testify.
The first witness, Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member of Zenith Bank, informed the court 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. She alleged that substantial cash withdrawals were made from these accounts, benefiting the defendant. Account opening documents were admitted into evidence as Exhibit PWB.
The second witness, Felix Nweke, a deputy director of accounts and expenditure under Nwabuoku’s supervision, testified that the defendant directly instructed him to open the four accounts. Nweke alleged that funds from the Defence Ministry’s security operation account were transferred to the company accounts, subsequently withdrawn in cash, and handed over to Nwabuoku.
During cross-examination, the defence counsel, Isidore Udenko, questioned whether the withdrawals were solely authorised by Nwabuoku or involved higher authorities. Nweke maintained that his actions were based solely on instructions from his superior, Nwabuoku.
The trial has been adjourned to February 26 and March 5, 2025, for further proceedings.