Prime 9ja Online reports that Anamekwe Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, has begged Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja for more time to complete reimbursement of alleged embezzled public funds.
Nwabuoku and co-defendant Felix Nweke face 11 counts of money laundering totalling N1.6 billion, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendants allegedly committed the crimes while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
In court on Wednesday, the defendants requested a halt to their arraignment until another date to perfect the refund.
Nweke's lawyer Emeka Onyeaka informed the court of a new development, stating his client had made substantial refunds and was in communication with the EFCC.
The defence counsel requested an adjournment to complete the administrative procedure, which was aligned with by Nwabuoku's lawyer Maduakolam Igwe.
However, EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam stated that no negotiation or agreement had been reached and urged the court to proceed with arraignment.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until October 14 for arraignment.