The trial of Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, the former acting accountant-general of the federation, commenced on Friday.

 

Witnesses narrated to the court how money was allegedly syphoned from the ministry of defence into multiple accounts set up by the defendant.

 

The defendant was a former director, finance and account at the federal ministry of defence

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge of money laundering, amounting to N868,465,000.

 

On January 16, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, granted Nwabuoku bail in the sum of N500 million.

 

At the commencement of the trial on Friday, Ekele Iheanacho, prosecution counsel, presented two witnesses.

 

The first witness, Eucharia Ezeobi, a Zenith Bank staff, told the court that she opened four company accounts—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—for contractors working with the defence ministry.

 

She said significant sums were withdrawn in cash from these accounts, allegedly benefiting the defendant. The court admitted the account opening documents as Exhibit PWB.

 

The second witness, Felix Nweke, a deputy director of accounts and expenditure under Nwabuoku’s supervision, told the court that the defendant personally instructed him to open the four accounts. Nweke said funds were transferred from the defence ministry’s security operation account to the company accounts and were later withdrawn in cash and handed over to Nwabuoku.

 

Under cross-examination, the defence counsel, Isidore Udenko, asked if the withdrawals were authorised solely by Nwabuoku or if a higher authority was involved. Nweke maintained that he acted strictly on instructions from the defendant, his superior in the ministry.

 

The judge adjourned the trial to February 26 and March 5, 2025, for continuation.