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EFCC unravels money laundering scheme in trial of former acting accountant general

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A key witness in the trial of the former Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has revealed how he allegedly opened multiple bank accounts to facilitate the diversion of public funds – EFCC

Nwabuoku is facing charges of money laundering amounting to ₦868,465,000, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Diaspora digital media (DDM) reported.

This trial is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.

During the court session on Friday, Eucharia Ezeobi, a staff member of Zenith Bank, provided testimony that exposed key aspects of the criminal operation.

Ezeobi, the first witness for the EFCC, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja that she was responsible for opening four company accounts for contractors working with the Federal Ministry of Defence.

These companies, identified as Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, were allegedly involved in fraudulent activities designed to siphon government funds.

Ezeobi revealed that withdrawals from these accounts were frequently made in cash, and it was established that the defendant, Nwabuoku, benefited from the illicit transactions.

The EFCC’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ekene Iheanacho, presented account opening documents as evidence in court.

These documents were duly marked as Exhibits PWB by Justice Omotosho. They were crucial in establishing the involvement of both Zenith Bank and the individuals implicated in the money laundering activities.

In further testimony, Felix Nweke, the EFCC’s second witness, identified himself as a former deputy director of finance at the Federal Ministry of Defence.

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Nweke confirmed that he worked under Nwabuoku between 2018 and 2020, during which time he was asked to facilitate the opening of accounts to access government funds.

Nweke explained that he had been instructed by the defendant to liaise with Gideon Joseph, a resource person in the ministry, to set up the accounts at Zenith Bank.

Nweke’s testimony revealed a coordinated effort to funnel public money into private accounts.

He described how he met Ezeobi at the bank, where she opened the accounts for the ministry’s contractors.

Nweke further admitted that whenever he received instructions from Nwabuoku to transfer funds or raise payments, he would follow through with the orders.

This was despite knowing that the ministry was funded by the annual Appropriation Bill signed by the President.

He clarified, however, that Nwabuoku, although not an approving officer, was responsible for conveying approvals for the release of funds.

During cross-examination, Nweke maintained that the defendant did not have direct approval authority over the funds.

Instead, Nwabuoku acted as an intermediary, ensuring that payments were processed by the ministry.

Despite this, the witness was clear in stating that the defendant played a key role in the illicit activities by instructing others to create the fraudulent accounts.

The EFCC’s case against Nwabuoku continues to unfold, with more testimonies expected in the coming sessions.

This case is just one example of the EFCC’s wider campaign against corruption and money laundering in Nigeria.

The commission’s investigation into the actions of former public officials is critical to holding accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain.

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The EFCC has consistently sought to bring perpetrators of financial crimes to justice and to ensure that public funds are used appropriately for the benefit of the people.

The ongoing trial is a stark reminder of the need for transparency in government operations.

It also highlights the importance of robust institutions like the EFCC in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system.

As the trial progresses, the EFCC is expected to provide further evidence linking Nwabuoku to the diversion of public funds.

A move that could have significant consequences for the defendant if convicted.

The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape future anti-corruption efforts and reinforce the EFCC’s role in tackling financial crimes in Nigeria.

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