The Abuja Division of the court of Appeal has dealt a major blow to convicted former Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, by dismissing his application for bail pending appeal.
A three-man judicial panel, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, threw out the application on Friday, ruling that it completely lacked merit.
*The road to conviction:
The appellate court’s decision follows a landmark ruling earlier this year. On Monday, March 23, 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, convicted and sentenced Nwabuoku to 72 years in prison.
The former AGF is currently serving his term at the Kuje Medium Security Correctional Centre for money laundering totaling ₦868,465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira).
*The bail argument:
Medical Grounds vs. Public Interest
Following his conviction, Nwabuoku’s legal counsel, N.I. Quakers, SAN, filed a motion for bail on May 8, 2026.
The application was based on health ground:
The convict’s health had severely deteriorated, requiring medical attention beyond what the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (the designated facility for Kuje inmates) could provide.
Nwabuoku was described as a “responsible citizen” and high-ranking former official with credible sureties willing to back his release.
*The EFCC’s Counter-Argument:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, fiercely opposed the application in a counter-affidavit filed on May 25, 2026.
The anti-graft agency argued that: ”Granting bail to the Appellant/Applicant in the circumstances of this case would send a wrong signal to the public and undermine confidence in the fight against corruption, money laundering, and the misuse of public funds earmarked for national security”.
The EFCC counsel further emphasized:
National Impact: The massive corruption perpetrated by the appellant directly hindered the government’s ability to combat pervasive national insecurity.
Adequate Care: No concrete medical evidence was presented to prove that the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital could not handle Nwabuoku’s treatment or potential surgeries.
Proactive Measures: The prison authorities have been actively managing his health, proving he is not being denied necessary medical attention.
The court’s Final Verdict
After reviewing the arguments from both sides, the Court of Appeal panel aligned with the prosecution. Justice Adebukola Banjoko, delivering the ruling, declared the application unmeritorious and officially dismissed it, ensuring the former AGF remains behind bars.
