Court Orders Ex-AGF Nwabuoku to Enter Defence in ₦1.96bn Money Laundering Trial

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to open his defence in the ₦1.96 billion money-laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, dismissing Nwabuoku’s no-case submission, in which he urged the court to clear him of all charges.

The judge held that the EFCC had presented sufficient evidence — including documents and testimonies from nine witnesses — to establish a prima facie case that requires Nwabuoku to respond. He stressed that the ruling does not amount to a declaration of guilt but grants the defendant the opportunity to answer the allegations.

The court further noted that the former AGF must explain his relationship to the funds he allegedly received and address the evidence brought against him, emphasizing that his right to defence is constitutionally guaranteed.

Following a request by the defence team for additional time to prepare, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to November 24 and 25 for continuation of trial.