A Federal High Court in Abuja heard testimony on Friday, January 31, revealing how multiple shell companies were allegedly used to divert N868.4 million from the Defence Ministry under former Acting Accountant General Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku’s watch
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Nwabuoku with nine counts of money laundering involving N868.4 million ($950,000).
Bank officials and ministry staff testified that Nwabuoku, while serving as Director of Finance and Account at the Defense Ministry, orchestrated the creation of four company accounts that received transfers from ministry security operation funds. According to witnesses, these funds were then withdrawn in cash.
At Friday’s proceedings, Prosecution Counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, presented two witnesses. The first prosecution witness, Zenith Bank employee Eucharia Ezeobi, confirmed opening accounts for Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited – all purported defence contractors.
On his part, the second prosecution witness, former Deputy Director of Account and Expenditure, Felix Nweke, testified that Nwabuoku directly instructed him to move ministry funds to these accounts. “The cash withdrawals were handed over to him,” Nweke told the court.
When questioned by defence counsel Isidore Udenko about the chain of command, Nweke maintained he only took instructions from Nwabuoku, his direct supervisor.
The case continues on February 26 before Justice James Omotosho. Defence counsel Isidore Udenko is representing the accused.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
