The Federal High Court in Maitama on Thursday, 13 November 2025, dismissed the no‑case submission filed by former Acting Accountant‑General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, in his ₦868,465,000 fraud trial.
Presiding Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima facie case, requiring Nwabuoku to present his defence.
The judge stressed that the decision does not amount to a finding of guilt but marks a pivotal stage in the proceedings.
Nwabuoku faces nine counts of alleged money‑laundering linked to contracts awarded during his tenure as Director of Finance & Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
He was later appointed Acting Accountant‑General in May 2022.
EFCC lead counsel, Senior Advocate Ekele Iheanacho, told the court that nine witnesses and multiple documents show irregular financial transactions involving the former official.
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Defence counsel Norrison Quakers (SAN) argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case and urged the court to discharge Nwabuoku.
The court has scheduled 24 and 25 November 2025 for the defence to open its case, with a further hearing on 9 December to conclude this phase.
Legal observers say the ruling is a key moment in a high-profile trial that has captured public attention due to the magnitude of the alleged fraud and the seniority of the defendant