Anamekwe Nwabuoku, ex-acting Accountant-General, asked Justice James Omotoso for more time to return public funds he allegedly misappropriated.

Nwabuoku and co-defendant Felix Nweke face 11 charges of laundering N1.6 billion, allegedly committed while Nwabuoku was Director of Finance at the Ministry of Defence from 2019 to 2021.

Appointed in May 2022, Nwabuoku was removed in July 2022 after replacing Ahmed Idris, suspended over an alleged N80 billion fraud.

On July 10, the defendants requested to delay their arraignment to complete the refund process.

Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court that his client had begun refunding the money and had returned a significant amount.

Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Maduakolam Igwe, confirmed his client had also made substantial refunds and requested more time.

EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, acknowledged a proposal letter but stated no final agreement had been reached.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to October 14 for arraignment.