Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), has pleaded with the Federal High Court in Abuja for time to negotiate a possible settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged N1.96 billion fraud case.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ekele Iheanacho, arrived in court with five witnesses ready to testify. However, Nwabuoku, through his lawyer, Isidore Udenko, informed the court that he had engaged a SAN to facilitate an out-of-court settlement with the anti-graft agency.
His lawyer acknowledged that an earlier attempt at negotiation had failed, but the defendant remains hopeful for a resolution. The EFCC’s counsel did not oppose the request, stating that if a settlement would serve the interests of justice, they would not object.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case until March 13, allowing time for either a settlement report or the continuation of the trial.
Background on the Case
Nwabuoku was appointed as the Acting AGF in May 2022 following the suspension and prosecution of the then AGF, Ahmed Idris, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. However, shortly after taking office, Nwabuoku himself came under investigation for financial misconduct before his appointment, leading to his removal just weeks later in July 2022.
The EFCC initially charged him alongside a Federal Civil Service Director, Felix Nweke. However, Nweke later agreed to testify against Nwabuoku, leading the anti-graft agency to drop his charges.
The prosecution has accused Nwabuoku of using four different companies to divert public funds, with investigations revealing that the stolen money was funneled through bank accounts controlled by a mysterious individual, Gideon Joseph.
The case continues as Nigerians watch to see if a settlement will be reached or if the trial will proceed.
