In a dramatic turn in the corruption trial of former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, his legal team has requested additional time to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Nwabuoku, who faces a nine-count charge over an alleged N1.96 billion fraud, was initially charged alongside Felix Nweke, a director in the Federal Civil Service.
However, Nweke agreed to cooperate with the EFCC and was dropped from the case, becoming a key witness against his former associate.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24, revolves around allegations that Nwabuoku used four companies to siphon public funds, with transactions funneled through proxy accounts.
The EFCC contends that this violates Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, with penalties outlined in Section 15(3).
Nwabuoku’s legal counsel, Isidore Udenko, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that his client had previously attempted to reach a settlement with the EFCC, but talks had collapsed.
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Now, with the involvement of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he is seeking a fresh negotiation.
The prosecution, represented by EFCC’s lead counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), did not oppose the request despite having five witnesses ready to testify.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case to March 13 for an update on the settlement talks or a continuation of the trial.
Nwabuoku’s legal troubles follow his brief stint as acting AGF in 2022, when he replaced the suspended Ahmed Idris, who faced separate allegations of laundering N80.2 billion.
However, Nwabuoku’s own financial dealings soon came under scrutiny, leading to his removal just weeks into the role.
With the court granting more time for negotiations, the outcome remains uncertain whether Nwabuoku secures a deal or faces a full-scale trial will be determined in the coming weeks.
