The Sambo Dasuki latest news reveals significant progress in the ongoing trial of Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), regarding the alleged diversion of N33.2 billion originally earmarked for arms procurement. This high-profile case, which has captivated the nation, continued before Justice C.O. Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, as a key witness detailed a complex web of financial transactions and alleged misuse of public funds. Understanding the intricate details of such cases is crucial for comprehending the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains at the forefront of these efforts, working to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
What is EFCC Nigeria? The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a Nigerian law enforcement agency established to investigate financial crimes such as advance fee fraud (419 fraud) and money laundering. It aims to combat economic and financial crimes, promote transparency, and uphold the rule of law within Nigeria’s financial sector.
How does EFCC investigate corruption of this magnitude? The first prosecution witness (PW1), Dr. Michael Adariku, an investigator with the EFCC, provided exhaustive testimony. He meticulously outlined how hundreds of millions of naira were allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to private individuals and companies, shedding light on the intricate methods used in financial malfeasance. This detailed account underscores the rigorous investigative processes employed by the commission to trace diverted funds and build a compelling case.
Adariku’s testimony highlighted several key transactions. For instance, on April 17, 2015, a sum of N600 million was reportedly transferred from the ONSA account at Zenith Bank to Acacia Holdings Limited’s UBA account, which previously held a mere N27,094.49 balance. Such disparities often flag potential irregularities in financial investigations, raising questions about the legitimacy of the transfers.
Further revelations included a N60 million transfer on April 23, 2015, to Hidayatul Atfaaf Islamic Academy. The academy’s proprietor, Mohammed Bashir, confirmed to EFCC interrogators that this payment was for 3.62 hectares of land in Kyami District, acquired by the second defendant, Aminu Baba Kusa, a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). This scenario often brings to light the blurred lines between legitimate transactions and alleged diversions when public officials are involved.
On the same day, N25 million was transferred in three tranches to Zavati Bureau De Change Limited. EFCC investigations suggested these funds were partial payment for a N40 million property, with the balance allegedly paid through an agent linked to the second defendant. This pattern of multiple tranches and third-party involvement is often scrutinized in cases of money laundering vs financial fraud, as it can obscure the true source and destination of funds.
The witness also detailed unexplained transfers totaling N124 million from the ONSA account on April 24, 2015, lacking clear narration or purpose. Subsequent transfers on April 27, 2015, included payments for land-related charges, survey processing for various land parcels, and N50 million to Squad Developers Nigeria Limited. The owner of Squad Developers confirmed this payment was for 118.2132 hectares of land, again linked to the second defendant. Such transactions highlight the complexities of Nigerian corruption explained through concrete examples.
Another significant transaction involved N55.9 million transferred to Fastman Investment Limited on April 28, 2015. The CEO of Fastman Holding Group confirmed facilitating a $1 million transfer to Saudi Arabia, though only $630,000 was eventually remitted. Additional naira transfers through Reliance Referral Hospital Limited were made to cover the dollar equivalent, illustrating sophisticated methods of moving funds internationally.
Further, sums of N4.86 million and N29.1 million were transferred to O.A. Akinrimade, while N70 million and later N80 million went to Medical Practice Limited, a company allegedly owned by the second defendant’s wife. These transfers, totaling N150 million, raise questions about the use of family-linked entities in alleged financial schemes, a common tactic in understanding financial crime Nigeria.
Finally, the court heard about N23.69 million transferred to Namuduka Ventures Limited, converted to $200,000 and sent to the second defendant’s UK account. Additional transfers totaling over N56.3 million were converted to €233,944 and sent to another UK-based account. These international transfers underscore the global dimension of some major corruption cases Nigeria 2026.
Justice Agbaza adjourned the matter for continuation, as Dasuki, alongside Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited, and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited, faces a 32-count charge. This case serves as a critical example of the ongoing efforts to implement an effective anti-corruption guide Nigeria 2026, striving for greater transparency and accountability in public service. The Sambo Dasuki latest news continues to be a focal point in the nation’s battle against financial malfeasance, demonstrating the long and arduous path to justice in high-profile corruption trials.
