The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 13, 2025, for ruling on a no-case submission filed by Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, who is standing trial on allegations of money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho scheduled the date on Monday after counsel for both parties Harrison Quakers, SAN, representing the defendant, and Ekele Iheanacho, appearing for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adopted their final written addresses.
In his argument, Quakers urged the court to discharge and acquit Nwabuoku, contending that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against him. He maintained that the evidence and exhibits tendered by the prosecution were insufficient to warrant his client’s defence.
Opposing the application, Iheanacho insisted that the prosecution had, through nine witnesses and several documentary exhibits, presented enough evidence to justify the continuation of the trial.
Nwabuoku is facing a nine-count amended charge bordering on money laundering. He was granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, the EFCC accused Nwabuoku of conspiring with several companies, including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, to convert funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the offences contravene Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012), and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
According to the EFCC, Nwabuoku committed the alleged offences while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
He was later appointed Acting Accountant-General of the Federation on May 20, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari following the suspension of Ahmed Idris over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud.
However, Nwabuoku’s appointment was short-lived, as he was removed in July 2022 after reports emerged that he was under investigation by the EFCC.
The court is expected to rule on November 13 on whether Nwabuoku has a case to answer or should be discharged.
