Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has begged a Federal High Court in Abuja to grant him more time to conclude the repayment of public funds allegedly stolen by him and his co-defendant.
Former accountant-general, Nwabuoku and Felix Nweke, who served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, are facing 11 counts of money laundering worth N1.6 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the duo.
The court had been expected to arraign the defendants on Wednesday, but their lawyers requested a delay due to a new development in the case. According to their counsel, Emeka Onyeaka, Nweke has made substantial refunds of the funds traced to him by the EFCC. Onyeaka explained that his client had communicated with the commission about the refunds and that the agency was in receipt of the money.
Similarly, Maduakolam Igwe, who represented Nwabuoku, corroborated Onyeaka’s submission, stating that his client had also made significant refunds. Both lawyers urged the court to grant them more time to conclude the administrative procedure before proceeding with the trial.
However, EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam opposed the request, stating that while the commission had received a proposal letter from the defendants, no negotiation or settlement had been reached between the parties. She urged the court to allow the defendants to be arraigned.
Justice James Omotosho has adjourned the matter till October 14 for arraignment. The defendants’ request for more time is seen as an attempt to avoid being arraigned and face trial.
Join our Channel...