Alleged N1.96b fraud: Court slates Jan 31 for ex- accountant-general’s trial
JUSTICE James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has scheduled January 31, 2025, for the trial of the former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nnabuoku, who is facing allegations of multiple financial frauds totaling N1.96 billion, according to a statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Nnabuoku was arraigned by the EFCC on January 15, 2025, on an amended nine-count charge related to criminal conspiracy and money laundering, after his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, opted for a plea bargain.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Martha Babatunde informed the court of the amended charges and requested that they be read to the defendant so he could enter his plea.
Nnabuoku pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution to seek a trial date and request that the defendant be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre. Meanwhile, defense counsel Isidore Udenko revealed that a bail application had been filed for Nnabuoku.
The prosecution countered with an affidavit opposing the bail application, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk. However, Justice Omotosho granted bail at N500 million, requiring two sureties for the same amount.
He specified that the sureties must own landed properties in Abuja, with each property valued at no less than N250 million.
Additionally, the sureties were instructed to provide an affidavit of means and submit their bank statements and tax clearance for the past three years, which would be verified by the court’s registrar.
The case is set to resume for trial on January 31, 2025.
