The trial of former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, was stalled on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following the absence of his lead counsel, Norrison Quakers SAN.
Nwabuoku is facing amended nine-count charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering and diversion amounting to eight hundred and sixty-eight million, four hundred and sixty-five thousand naira.
At the resumed sitting, M. Igwe informed Justice James Omotosho that he was holding brief for Quakers. He explained that the senior advocate had directed him to notify the court in writing that the date fixed for Thursday’s proceedings was not convenient. “I was instructed to write a letter to inform the court that the date given for today’s sitting was not convenient,” he told the court.
Prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho SAN, opposed the request for an adjournment. “My lord, there was no reason given by the defence counsel in the application for his absence in court and this counsel in court had always been appearing in this case and there is no reason why he can’t handle this matter,” he argued.
Justice Omotosho, in a brief ruling, said the court would allow the application in the interest of justice. He then adjourned the case to February 2, 2026.