The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, over alleged N33.2 billion fraud.
Dasuki appeared before a new judge at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court alongside Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC general manager. The EFCC also charged two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited—in the case.
The defendants face a 32-count charge involving alleged criminal breach of trust and fraudulent diversion of public funds. The trial restarted after the FCT Chief Judge reassigned the case to Justice Charles Agbaza.
Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, alongside Shuaibu Salisu, a former director of finance in the NSA’s office. They initially faced a 19-count charge linked to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud. The EFCC later amended the charges, increasing them to 32 counts, totaling N33.2 billion.
Years of delays and adjournments stalled the case. The prosecution only presented one witness before the trial was put on hold indefinitely. The latest re-arraignment aims to restart proceedings under a new judge.
At Tuesday’s court session, Dasuki and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty. EFCC prosecutor Oluwaleke Atolagbe requested a trial date. Defense lawyers A.A. Usman and Richard Ibiye urged the court to maintain their clients’ existing bail, arguing they always attended court.
The judge granted the request, allowing them to remain on bail. He then adjourned the trial to July 1.
The EFCC has also charged Dasuki in another fraud case involving N19.4 billion. That case, filed in 2015, involves Bashir Yuguda, former minister of state for finance, and Attahiru Bafarawa, former Sokoto governor. The case recently moved to another judge, Yusuf Halilu.
Legal analysts say Dasuki’s case highlights Nigeria’s slow judicial process in high-profile fraud trials.
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