In a major development in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku to 72 years in prison over a ₦868 million fraud case.

The conviction was confirmed on Monday, March 23, 2026, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, bringing an end to a high-profile trial that exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s public finance system.

How the Fraud Was Carried Out

Nwabuoku was found guilty on nine counts related to money laundering and the diversion of public funds. The court heard that during his time as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, he oversaw the illegal movement of ₦868.46 million.

Investigations revealed that the funds were routed through several private companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited. These companies were reportedly used to conceal the origin of the money and move it beyond official scrutiny.

A Controversial Time in Office

Nwabuoku’s appointment as Acting Accountant General in May 2022 was already surrounded by controversy. He was named by Muhammadu Buhari following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over separate fraud allegations.

However, his time in office was short lived. Just two months after his appointment, he was removed in July 2022 when reports emerged that he was under investigation by the EFCC for financial misconduct.

The Court Proceedings

The case, handled by Justice James Omotosho, involved testimony from nine witnesses and a large volume of documentary evidence presented by the prosecution.

Although Nwabuoku maintained that he had served the country with integrity for over three decades, the court found the evidence against him to be convincing. His attempt to argue that there was no case to answer was dismissed, and his final defence was ultimately rejected.

The trial followed several key stages, including his arraignment in July 2024 alongside a former deputy director, an unsuccessful plea bargain attempt in October 2024, and the conclusion of his defence earlier this year.

A Strong Message

The sentencing sends a clear signal about accountability in public office. It reinforces the idea that positions of authority are meant for service, not personal gain.

Although the total sentence adds up to 72 years, legal experts note that the terms may run at the same time, meaning the actual time served could be shorter. Even so, the judgment reflects a firm stance against corruption and financial misconduct in Nigeria today.