EFCC Re-Arraigns Former NSA Dasuki, NNPC Ex-Director Over Alleged ₦33 Billion Arms Fraud

 EFCC Re-Arraigns Former NSA Dasuki, NNPC Ex-Director Over Alleged ₦33 Billion Arms Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), alongside other defendants, over allegations of misappropriating ₦33.3 billion meant for arms procurement. The re-arraignment took place at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

*Details of the Case*

Dasuki, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was re-arraigned alongside Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former General Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and two firms—Acacia Holdings and Reliance Referral Hospital. 

The EFCC amended the original 19-count charge to a 32-count charge, accusing the defendants of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and dishonest handling of public funds.

The charges allege that the defendants diverted billions of naira under the pretense of using the funds for security equipment procurement. The alleged fraud is part of the broader $2.1 billion arms scandal that has been under investigation since 2015.

*Pleas and Legal Proceedings*

When the amended charges were read, all defendants pleaded not guilty. Counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Oluwaleke Atolegbe, requested a date for trial to commence. Meanwhile, Dasuki’s legal team, led by Mr. Adeola Adedipe, requested that the former NSA be allowed to continue on his existing bail terms—a request that was not opposed by the prosecution.

Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf ruled that all defendants should continue enjoying their existing bail arrangements and adjourned the trial to July 2 and July 5 for further proceedings.

*Background and Legal History*

This case has faced numerous delays since Dasuki was first arraigned in November 2015. The initial charges involved allegations of diverting ₦13.5 billion before being expanded to include additional sums totaling ₦33.3 billion. The trial has been reassigned multiple times due to changes in judicial appointments.

Dasuki’s legal battles have also included requests for medical leave and allegations of prolonged detention by security agencies despite court orders granting him bail.

*Broader Implications*

The re-arraignment underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address corruption in public office. However, critics argue that delays in high-profile cases like this highlight systemic inefficiencies in the judicial process. The EFCC’s pursuit of this case reflects its commitment to holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct.