An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kazeem Yusuf, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that a total of N4.6 billion released by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for the purchase of security equipment was allegedly diverted to fund pilgrimage to Makkah, political rallies and the 2015 presidential election activities.
Yusuf, who testified as the second prosecution witness (PW2), made the disclosure during the resumed trial of former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; former National Security Adviser, Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd); former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son, Sagir Attahiru; and Dalhatu Investment Limited, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Maitama High Court in Abuja.
The defendants are facing an amended 25-count charge filed by the EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government, bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of public funds, and receiving stolen property.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the EFCC witness told the court that contracts awarded by ONSA for security equipment were never executed, despite the disbursement of N4.6 billion earmarked for the purpose.
“Investigation revealed that the contracts were for the supply of security equipment. Responses from the Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed this. Further investigation also showed that the money was not used for the purpose; it was diverted to other uses,” Yusuf said.
The witness added that a letter from ONSA indicated that none of the contracts was executed, prompting investigators to question how the funds were utilised.
Yusuf told the court that during interrogation, the fourth defendant, Sagir Bafarawa, submitted a list of expenditures detailing how the funds were allegedly spent.
According to him:
“Some of them include payment for pilgrimage to Makkah, organisation of People’s Democratic Party rallies, payment of monies to security agencies for monitoring elections, payment for the 2015 presidential election and other political activities.”
While reading from UBA and GTBank account statements earlier tendered as evidence, Yusuf identified several beneficiaries of the diverted funds.
He listed Sheikh AbdurRahman Al-Sudais Foundation, chaired by former governor Bafarawa, as one of the recipients of N500 million. He also mentioned that Abdallah Wali, the 2015 PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto, received N580 million through a company for election-related activities.
Justice Halilu adjourned the matter to December 9 and 10 for the continuation of cross-examination of the witness by defence counsel.
Spear News will continue to follow the proceedings as more revelations emerge.
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