The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has set November 13, 2025, for its ruling on the no-case submission filed by the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who is standing trial over an alleged ₦868 million fraud.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing final arguments from counsel representing both sides, Harrison Quakers (SAN) for the defendant and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defence Seeks Discharge
In his submission, Quakers urged the court to discharge and acquit his client, arguing that the EFCC had failed to establish any prima facie case despite the evidence presented and testimonies of its witnesses.
READ ALSO: Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Final Chance to Open Defence in Terrorism Trial
According to him, none of the witnesses or exhibits directly linked Nwabuoku to the alleged crime; hence, the prosecution’s case lacked merit.
EFCC Insists on Defence
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, opposed the no-case submission, maintaining that the anti-graft agency had presented credible evidence showing Nwabuoku’s involvement in the alleged offences.
He urged the court to dismiss the application and order the former top government official to open his defence.
Charges and Allegations
In an amended nine-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, the EFCC accused Nwabuoku of laundering ₦868 million allegedly diverted through several companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Ltd, Turge Global Investment Ltd, Laptev Bridge Ltd, and Arafura Transnational Afro Ltd, some of which are reportedly at large.
READ ALSO: Court Rejects Mompha’s No-Case Submission, Orders Trial in ₦5.9bn Money Laundering
The EFCC stated that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Background of the Case
Nwabuoku allegedly committed the offence while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
He was later appointed Acting Accountant-General of the Federation on May 20, 2022, following the suspension of Ahmed Idris, his predecessor, over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud.
However, Nwabuoku’s appointment was short-lived, as he was removed in July 2022, barely weeks later, after reports surfaced that he was under EFCC investigation.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, and granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum.
The EFCC has since closed its case after calling nine witnesses, including Eucharia Ezeodi, a staff member of Zenith Bank Plc, and Felix Nweke, a director in the Federal Civil Service.
Justice Omotosho’s ruling on November 13 will determine whether Nwabuoku will be discharged or required to enter his defence against the allegations.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
