The trial of the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku commenced on Friday.

Appearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, presented two witnesses.

Witnesses told the court how money was allegedly syphoned from the Ministry of Defence into multiple accounts set up by the defendant.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge of money laundering, amounting to N868,465,000.

The defendant was a former director of finance and accounts at the Federal Ministry of Defence.

One of the witnesses – Eucharia Ezeobi a Zenith Bank staff –  told the court that she opened four company accounts—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—for contractors working with the defence ministry.

According to her, significant sums were withdrawn in cash from these accounts, allegedly benefiting the defendant. The court admitted the account opening documents as Exhibit PWB.

The second witness was Felix Nweke, the deputy director of accounts and expenditures under Nwabuoku’s supervision. He told the court that the defendant instructed him to open the four accounts. Nweke said funds were transferred from the defence ministry’s security operation account to the company accounts and were later withdrawn in cash and handed over to Nwabuoku.

Under cross-examination, the defence counsel, Isidore Udenko, asked if the withdrawals were authorised solely by Nwabuoku or if a higher authority was involved. Nweke maintained that he acted strictly on instructions from the defendant, his superior in the ministry.

The judge adjourned the trial to February 26 and March 5, 2025, for continuation.