Former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), along with three others, were re-arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed multiple charges against Dasuki, a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, and two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.
The defendants face a 32-count charge that includes allegations of criminal breach of trust and the dishonest release of public funds. Their re-arraignment follows a reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who previously oversaw the matter.
Dasuki was initially arraigned on December 14, 2015, on a separate 19-count charge linked to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud. After several amendments and delays, the charges were expanded, leading to the current re-arraignment on the new 32-count charge involving N33.2 billion.
At the trial, the prosecution has faced challenges, including the presentation of only one witness—the investigating officer—whose testimony remains incomplete, resulting in indefinite adjournments.
During the latest hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, requested a trial date, while the defense lawyers sought to maintain the defendants’ existing bail conditions, noting their consistent attendance in court.
Justice Agbaza granted the request for continued bail and scheduled the next hearing for July 1.
