The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Hon. Justice James Omotosho, has fixed 13 November 2025 for ruling on the no‑case submission filed by former Acting Accountant‑General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, in the ongoing trial initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud and money laundering to the tune of ₦868,465,000.
The EFCC is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine‑count amended charge bordering on money laundering under Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
The defendant pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution called nine witnesses in support of its case.
At the resumed hearing, the EFCC was represented by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, while Norrison I. Quakers, SAN, appeared for the defence.
In his written address opposing the no‑case submission, the prosecuting counsel, Iheanacho (SAN) argued that:
– The prosecution had led sufficient evidence linking the defendant to unlawful transactions between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and four alleged front companies.
– Witness testimonies and the defendant’s own extrajudicial statement corroborated the allegation that he acquired assets, including shares and a residential property, during his tenure as Director of Finance at the MOD.
– The defendant had voluntarily refunded ₦220 million to the EFCC, which, according to the prosecution, further reinforced the credibility of its case.
– He urged the court to dismiss the no‑case submission and order the defendant to enter his defence.
On the other hand, the defence’s counsel, Quakers (SAN) contended that:
– The EFCC lacked jurisdiction to prosecute the matter, arguing that the alleged offences fell outside its statutory remit.
– No credible evidence was adduced to prove that the defendant “indirectly converted” or “concealed” the origin of the funds.
– The charge of conspiracy was unsustainable, as “one person cannot conspire with himself,” and the EFCC had failed to establish the involvement of multiple participants.
– He therefore urged the court to uphold the no‑case submission and discharge the defendant.
After hearing both parties, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to 13 November 2025 for ruling. If the no‑case submission succeeds, the charges against the former AGF will be dismissed.
Reports indicate that Nwabuoku had earlier refunded ₦220 million and a duplex linked to him to the EFCC during investigations into alleged advance fee fraud.
This was disclosed in an ex parte non‑conviction motion (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/177/2024) filed by the EFCC before Justice Mohammed Umar, seeking interim forfeiture of assets and freezing of bank accounts allegedly connected to the defendant.
Nwabuoku was appointed Acting Accountant‑General of the Federation on 22 May 2022 by then‑President Muhammadu Buhari, following the suspension of Ahmed Idris, the substantive AGF, who was also under EFCC investigation.
This case underscores the growing judicial scrutiny of no‑case submissions in high‑profile corruption trials. The ruling will determine whether the EFCC has established a prima facie case sufficient to require the defendant to enter his defence, or whether the charges will be dismissed at this stage.
