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A former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku, facing trial over an alleged ₦1.96 billion fraud, has requested more time from the Federal High Court in Abuja to negotiate a settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Nwabuoku, who is standing trial on a nine-count charge, made the plea on Monday after the EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ekele Iheanacho, informed the court that it had five witnesses ready to testify.

Although his lawyer, Isidore Udenko, represented him in court, the defendant disclosed that he had engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to facilitate an out-of-court settlement. Udenko noted that a previous attempt to reach an agreement with the anti-graft agency had failed, leading to the commencement of trial.

Responding, EFCC’s counsel, Iheanacho, stated that while the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the trial, it had no objection to the defendant’s request if it served the interest of justice.

“Even though our five witnesses are in court and we are ready to go on with the trial, however, if the request of the defendant will meet the justice of the case, we will not be opposing,” he said.

Following the submission, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to March 13, 2025, for either a settlement report or the continuation of the trial.

Nwabuoku was appointed as acting AGF in May 2022 after the suspension and subsequent trial of former AGF Ahmed Idris over an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud. However, the EFCC later accused Nwabuoku of financial misconduct before his appointment, leading to his removal in July 2022.

He was subsequently charged alongside a Director in the Federal Civil Service, Felix Nweke. However, the EFCC later amended the charge, removing Nweke as a co-defendant after he agreed to testify against Nwabuoku.

According to the prosecution, Nwabuoku allegedly violated Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012), an offence punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

The court had earlier heard testimony from Nweke, who alleged that Nwabuoku used four different companies to divert public funds. He further stated that the illicit funds were deposited in accounts controlled by an individual identified as Gideon Joseph.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa State has cautioned fruit dealers against using chemicals to ripen fruits and urged consumers to be cautious of chemically treated produce.

State Coordinator Gonzuk Bedima issued the warning on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola. He identified calcium carbide, a chemical commonly used in welding, as the primary substance used to artificially ripen fruits, particularly bananas and oranges.

Bedima warned that exposure to calcium carbide poses serious health risks, including cancer. He noted that NAFDAC had previously sensitized fruit sellers and would intensify awareness campaigns, especially with the approach of the fasting season, when fruit consumption increases.

He advised consumers to remain vigilant and avoid fruits that appear overly ripe on the outside but are unripe inside, as this could indicate chemical treatment.

“If you suspect such fruits, avoid buying them, as they are dangerous to your health,” he said, urging the public to report cases of chemically ripened fruits to NAFDAC to prevent further risks.