Alleged N1.96bln fraud: Ex-AGF requests more time for out-of-court settlement

Despite the initial failed attempt to reach an agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has pleaded with the Federal High Court in Abuja for more time for out-of-court settlement with the anti-graft agency.

Nwabuoku, who is facing a nine-count charge, made the plea after the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) announced that five additional witnesses would testify in the case as the prosecution presented its case against him.

Although represented by Mr. Isidore Udenko, the defendant informed the court that he has engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to facilitate an out-of-court settlement.

Udenko said the case proceeded to trial after the defendant’s initial attempt to reach an agreement with the anti-graft agency failed.

Iheanacho, however, said he did not object to the defendant’s request.

He said: “Even though our five witnesses are in court and we are ready to go on with the trial, however, if request of the defendant will meet the justice of the case, we will not be opposing.”

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case until March 13.

The trial was adjourned to allow for either a settlement report or the continuation of the trial.

Persecondnews recalls that Nwabuoku was appointed in May 2022 to temporarily lead the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), following the suspension and eventual trial of Ahmed Idris, the former AGF, over allegations of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Investigations into the allegations ultimately resulted in his removal from office in July 2022, just a few weeks after his appointment.

Nwabuoku was subsequently arraigned in court alongside Felix Nweke, a Director in the Federal Civil Service.

The EFCC later amended the charges, dropping Felix Nweke as the second defendant after he agreed to testify against Nwabuoku.

In the amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24, the EFCC alleged that Nwabuoku committed an offence that was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011, as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012, and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.