EFCC Re-Arraigns Dasuki And Co Over Alleged Misuse Of Funds

EFCC Takes Another Shot: Dasuki and Others Face Fresh Charges

In a significant legal development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again brought former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), and a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa, to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Joining them in the dock are two companies, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. This new round of charges underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in public office.

Why the Case Was Reassigned

This fresh arraignment didn’t come out of the blue. It followed the reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, after he was elevated to a higher judicial position. The case is now in the hands of Justice Charles Agbaza, which means the entire legal process has to start from scratch. It’s like hitting the reset button on a long-running saga that has gripped the nation’s attention.

A Look Back: Dasuki’s Initial Charges

Let’s rewind a bit. Dasuki, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was first brought before Justice Baba-Yusuf on December 14, 2015. He faced a 19-count charge of money laundering and criminal breach of trust, involving a staggering ₦13.5 billion. That’s a lot of zeroes, right? But the story doesn’t stop there. The EFCC later decided to tweak the charges, removing one defendant, Shuaibu Salisu, and re-arraigning the remaining accused on May 11, 2018. This time, they slapped them with an expanded 32-count charge tied to the alleged misappropriation of ₦33.2 billion that was supposed to be used for arms procurement to combat Boko Haram insurgents.

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The Stumbling Blocks in the Trial

Even with all the drama and high stakes, the case didn’t exactly race ahead. It hit a snag when the prosecution managed to present only one witness before the trial was indefinitely adjourned. Meanwhile, Dasuki’s detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) dragged on despite multiple court orders granting him bail. It’s like being stuck in a loop that just keeps repeating itself.

Another Case in the Mix

While all this was happening, the EFCC also filed a separate case against Dasuki, involving former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, and former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, among others. This case revolves around an alleged ₦19.4 billion fraud and is currently ongoing before Justice Yusuf Halilu. It’s like a legal jigsaw puzzle with multiple pieces that need to fit together.

Moving Forward: The Push for Justice

With Justice Baba-Yusuf now handling expanded duties as Chief Judge, the case has been reassigned, and the EFCC is gearing up to push for a swift trial. The commission is determined to ensure that justice is served and that those involved are held accountable for their actions. As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes are on the courtroom to see how this story will play out. Will there be closure, or will the cycle continue? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates as this case continues to make headlines.