EFCC Re-arraigns Former NSA Sambo Dasuki Over N33.2 Billion Arms Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday re-arraigned former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, alongside three others over alleged misappropriation of N33.2 billion meant for arms procurement.
The fresh arraignment before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Abuja High Court follows the reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who previously presided over the matter.
Details of the Case
Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, alongside former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA (ONSA), Shuaibu Salisu, on a 19-count charge involving N15.5 billion. The charges were later amended, dropping Salisu’s name, and increasing the counts to 32, with the alleged fraud now totaling N33.2 billion.
The case, which has suffered multiple delays due to Dasuki’s detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), was adjourned indefinitely in 2018 after the prosecution called only one witness—an EFCC investigator.
Fresh Arraignment and Charges
In the latest hearing, Dasuki was docked alongside:
- Aminu Baba-Kusa, former NNPC General Manager
- Acacia Holdings Limited
- Reliance Referral Hospital Limited
They pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts, which include criminal breach of trust, dishonest release, and receiving illicit funds.
Bail and Trial Continuation
Defence lawyers, including A.A. Usman (for Dasuki) and Richard Ibiye (for Baba-Kusa and the companies), requested that their clients retain their existing bail conditions, noting their consistent court attendance.
EFCC prosecutor Oluwaleke Atolagbe did not oppose the request but emphasized the need for the defendants to appear for trial. Justice Agbaza upheld the bail terms and adjourned the case to July 1, 2024, for trial continuation.
Related Cases
The EFCC had filed two separate cases against Dasuki in 2015. The second case (FCT/HC/CR/42/2015) involves:
- Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance
- Attahiru Bafarawa, former Sokoto State Governor
- Sagir Bafarawa, his son
- Dalhatu Investment Limited
They face 25 counts of misappropriating N19.4 billion in public funds. This case has been transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.
Why This Matters
The trial highlights Nigeria’s prolonged battle against corruption in security spending. Despite multiple legal hurdles, the EFCC maintains its pursuit of accountability in one of the country’s most high-profile graft cases.
Next Hearing: July 1, 2024, before Justice Agbaza.
