The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today re-arraigned former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, on fresh corruption allegations totaling N33.2 billion.
Dasuki appeared alongside former NNPC General Manager Aminu Baba-Kusa and two companies - Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited - to face a 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds.
Key Allegations:
N10bn Security Funds Diversion: Count One alleges Dasuki illegally diverted N10bn (equivalent to $47m and €5.6m) meant for "special security services" to fund PDP's 2014 presidential primaries.
N1.45bn Prayer Contracts: Count Five accuses the defendants of transferring N1.45bn to Acacia Holdings for "organizing prayers" during the 2015 election period.
N4.68bn Election Financing: Count 19 claims N4.68bn earmarked for security infrastructure was instead used for PDP gubernatorial campaigns in Ekiti and Osun States.
Court Proceedings:
All defendants pleaded "not guilty" to all charges
Prosecution counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe requested immediate trial commencement
Defense team sought continuation of existing bail terms
Case adjourned to July 1, 2025 for hearing
Case History:
This marks the latest chapter in Dasuki's long-running legal battles, with the case originally filed before Justice Hussain Baba-Yusuf before being reassigned. The former NSA has faced multiple corruption trials since 2015 relating to alleged diversion of $2.1bn arms procurement funds.
Legal Context:
The charges are brought under Sections 309 and 315 of the Penal Code Act, which prescribe up to 14 years imprisonment for criminal breach of trust and misappropriation convictions. Legal observers note this re-arraignment follows EFCC's recent push to conclude high-profile corruption cases.
The court has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo regarding bail conditions while mandating strict compliance with trial attendance requirements.