EFCC Re-Arraigns Former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and Three Others Over Alleged N33.2 Billion Arms Procurement Fraud

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and three others before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in a N33.2 billion arms procurement fraud.

Dasuki, alongside former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, former NSA’s private secretary, Aliyu Usman, and former contractor, George Tsola, faces multiple charges relating to the misappropriation of funds meant for the purchase of military hardware to combat terrorism and insurgency in the country.

The re-arraignment, which took place on Tuesday, marks another significant development in the high-profile case that has been ongoing for several years. The EFCC alleges that the accused individuals, between 2014 and 2015, diverted funds earmarked for arms procurement, totaling approximately N33.2 billion. These funds were allegedly siphoned off under the guise of securing military equipment for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but instead were misused for personal enrichment and to fund political campaigns.

At the FCT High Court, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and conspiracy. The EFCC claims the defendants, in their official capacities, exploited their positions to unlawfully divert substantial sums from the Nigerian government for their personal gain, undermining national security and contributing to the weakening of the country’s military capabilities at a critical time.

The case against Dasuki, a former top security official under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has garnered significant attention, given the gravity of the charges and the high-profile nature of the accused. Dasuki has long denied the charges, insisting that the funds were used appropriately for national security purposes and that his actions were in line with government policy at the time.

In previous proceedings, the EFCC presented evidence indicating that substantial amounts of the alleged misappropriated funds were transferred to various private individuals and entities, with some of it reportedly funneled into political campaign accounts.

The presiding judge, Justice Husseini Baba, has adjourned the case for further hearing, with the next session scheduled for next month. Meanwhile, the EFCC is expected to continue presenting its evidence against the accused.

The case is part of the larger investigation into corruption and the mismanagement of public funds that has plagued Nigeria’s defense and security sectors in recent years. Efforts to hold public officials accountable for such fraud have remained a central focus for the EFCC, underlining its commitment to tackling high-level corruption.

As the trial progresses, many are closely watching the outcome, as it could set a significant precedent for future cases of high-profile corruption in Nigeria, particularly within the military and national security apparatus.