A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sentenced a former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72-year prison term for fraud involving N868 million.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully proven the nine-count charge of money laundering against Nwabuoku beyond reasonable doubt. He subsequently convicted the former government official on all counts.

The court sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each of the nine counts, amounting to 72 years in total. However, the judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho described the offence as “appalling,” noting that the funds diverted by the convict were meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

The judge also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its thorough and detailed prosecution of the case.

The court further observed that evidence presented by the ninth prosecution witness showed that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded over N200 million during the investigation, a claim that was not challenged by the defence.

Nwabuoku was initially arraigned on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024. He had been granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum pending the conclusion of the trial.

The EFCC accused him of committing the offences during his tenure at the Ministry of Defence.