A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to enter his defence in a N1.96 billion money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho dismissed Nwabuoku’s no-case submission, in which he sought to have the charges dropped. The judge stated that the EFCC had presented sufficient evidence—including documents and testimonies from nine witnesses—to establish a prima facie case, warranting a formal response from the defendant.

Justice Omotosho emphasized that the ruling does not imply guilt, but merely provides Nwabuoku the opportunity to answer the allegations, particularly regarding his relationship to the funds in question.

At the defence’s request for additional preparation time, the court adjourned the trial to November 24 and 25 for continuation.