Appeal Court Denies Bail to Convicted Ex-AGF Nwabuoku

​The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed the bail application filed by the former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who is currently serving a 72-year prison sentence for an N868.4 million fraud.

​In a ruling delivered on Friday, July 10, 2026, a three-man panel of justices declared the application for bail pending the determination of his appeal “unmeritorious.”

​Background to the Case

​Mr. Nwabuoku was convicted on March 23, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. The court found him guilty of a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering and the diversion of public funds. The prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), successfully proved that the defendant diverted funds meant for security and defence while serving as the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

​Although the court sentenced him to eight years on each of the nine counts—amounting to a cumulative 72-year term—the sentences are to run concurrently.

ADVERTISEMENT

​The Rejected Bail Plea

​Following his conviction, the former official filed an application for bail on May 8, 2026, through his counsel, Norrison Quakers, SAN. He cited deteriorating health, arguing that the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which is designated for inmates of the Kuje Medium Security Correctional Centre, lacked the facilities to provide the specialized medical attention he requires.

​However, the EFCC, represented by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, vehemently opposed the request. The prosecution maintained that there was no credible medical evidence proving the correctional facilities could not manage his health. Furthermore, the agency emphasized that the authorities had already shown proactiveness by facilitating his medical evaluations and treatment at the designated hospital.

​Judicial Reasoning and Public Sentiment

​The EFCC’s opposition underscored the gravity of the offences, arguing that the large-scale corruption hindered the government’s efforts to combat the nation’s prevailing insecurity. Counsel warned that granting bail at this stage would undermine public confidence in the judicial process and send a dangerous message regarding the nation’s fight against the misuse of public funds earmarked for national security.

​The Appeal Court panel, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, agreed with the prosecution’s arguments, ultimately dismissing the bail plea for lack of merit, thereby ensuring the convict remains in custody as his appeal process continues.

​Ex-Accountant-General Nwabuoku’s conviction

​This video provides additional context regarding the initial high-profile conviction and sentencing of the former Acting Accountant-General.