Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, on Monday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to clear him of all allegations in the N868.46 million fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Nwabuoku made the plea while presenting his defence before Justice James Omotosho, following the court’s ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to respond to the charges.
He testified as the first defence witness under examination by his counsel, Norrison Quakers, SAN.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former accounting chief on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving N868.46 million.
Justice Omotosho had, on November 13, 2025, rejected Nwabuoku’s no-case submission, holding that the anti-graft agency had provided sufficient evidence to warrant him to open his defence.
The judge clarified that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt, stressing that the defendant remained presumed innocent and was entitled to fully present his case.
While giving evidence, Nwabuoku denied any involvement with several companies the EFCC claimed were used to launder funds. The firms include Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited.
According to him, he neither signed documents nor appeared as a signatory in the account-opening records of the companies tendered by the prosecution.
Responding to questions about his relationship with Chief Jerry Nwachukwu, a prosecution witness, Nwabuoku acknowledged knowing him as a contractor registered with the Ministry of Defence prior to his appointment as Director of Finance and Accounts.
He also rejected claims that Nwachukwu purchased a property on his behalf at CityGate, Abuja, insisting that he personally acquired the property and handled all related transactions.
He said the receipts and ownership documents bear his name.
Nwabuoku further told the court that he was neither a director nor a shareholder in any company linked to Nwachukwu.
He added that his 35-year public service career was without blemish, noting that Nwachukwu himself had testified that he had no reason to doubt his integrity.
Addressing the issue of a N220 million refund referenced by the prosecution, Nwabuoku explained that the matter arose from a separate investigation at the Office of the National Security Adviser, where officials queried a personal investment traced to him.
He said the funds were legitimate proceeds from investments, adding that he earns at least N70 million annually in dividends, which are reflected in his bank and stock records.
He also confirmed a forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC in a related civil suit while the criminal trial was ongoing.
The court admitted the forfeiture order as Exhibit DW-H without objection from the prosecution.
At the close of his testimony, Nwabuoku formally asked the court to discharge and acquit him of all charges.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until February 10 for continuation of hearing, when the EFCC is expected to cross-examine the defendant.
Nwabuoku was arraigned on January 15, 2025, and granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties. He is the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024.
In the first count, the EFCC alleged that he conspired with several companies and other persons currently at large to convert proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The alleged offences were said to have been committed between 2019 and 2021 during his tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence.
Nwabuoku was appointed Acting Accountant-General in May 2022 following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged N80 billion fraud, but was replaced weeks later amid reports that he was under EFCC investigation.
The prosecution closed its case after calling nine witnesses, including bank officials and civil servants, to testify against him.
