Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has slated January 31, 2025, as the trial commencement date for the former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nnabuoku. This announcement follows allegations of intricate financial misconduct amounting to N1.96 billion, as detailed in a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Nnabuoku, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, faced arraignment on a revised nine-count charge presented by the EFCC. The charges, which revolve around criminal conspiracy and money laundering, were adjusted after his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, opted for a plea bargain arrangement.
During the session, prosecuting counsel Martha Babatunde informed the court of the amended charges and requested they be read aloud to the defendant for his plea. Upon hearing the allegations, Nnabuoku entered a plea of not guilty. Following this, the prosecution sought a trial date and recommended the defendant’s remand at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, citing concerns of potential flight risk.
In response, the defense counsel, Isidore Udenko, presented a bail application on behalf of the defendant. The prosecution countered this application with an affidavit, underscoring the likelihood of the defendant evading justice if granted bail.
After considering both arguments, Justice Omotosho granted bail to Nnabuoku under stringent conditions. The bail was set at N500 million, accompanied by the requirement for two sureties of equal monetary worth. Furthermore, the court stipulated that the sureties must possess real estate properties within Abuja, with a minimum valuation of N250 million each.
This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in financial governance, as the nation closely watches the unfolding of these legal proceedings.
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