The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 13 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who is standing trial for alleged N868m fraud.
Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Monday after adopting final written addresses from counsel to both parties — Norrison Quakers (SAN) for the defendant and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC is prosecuting Nwabuoku on charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868m.
In his address, Quakers urged the court to discharge his client, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.
He contended that the evidence and exhibits presented by the prosecution were insufficient to warrant the defendant’s defence.
But Iheanacho maintained that the EFCC had presented credible evidence through nine witnesses and multiple exhibits, which, he argued, established a prima facie case against the defendant.
He therefore urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order the defendant to open his defence.
Nwabuoku is the sole defendant in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024.
According to the EFCC, while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021, Nwabuoku allegedly conspired with several companies — including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited — to convert public funds, being proceeds of unlawful activities.
The alleged 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.
On his arraignment, Nwabuoku pleaded not guilty.
Justice Omotosho, after hearing arguments from both parties, adjourned the matter till November 13 for ruling on the no-case submission.
