Col. Sambo Dasuki Acquired Properties Abroad – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision has revealed to the High court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja that former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, is on trial as a result of his involvement in activities that bordered on economic sabotage.

According to the government, the ongoing trial Dasuki became pertinent over his compromise of the nation’s security and endangerment of the lives of Nigerian soldiers involved in the war against Boko Haram by diverting funds meant for the puechase of arms.

It was also revealed by the government’s counsel that during the course of the investigation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was discovered that Dasuki diverted huge funds meant for the nation’s security, with which he used in acquiring exotic properties in foreign cities, such as Dubai and London.

The government also said investigation was ongoing, to trace his assets in other foreign countries and determine the location of loot stolen by Dasuki.

In a counter affidavit filed by the EFCC against Dasuki’s bail application, the government said: “The offences being alleged against the defendant/applicant border on economic sabotage that strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s wellbeing and existence.

The affidavit was deposed to by an operative with the EFCC, Hassan Saidu, who was part of the team investigating Dasuki.

“The security of the Nigerian nation was compromised and the lives of innocent Nigerian soldiers in the battlefront against terrorists were endangered on account of diversion of funds meant for the security of the nation by the applicant herein.

“It is in the interest of justice to put the applicant in protective custody so as to protect him from a possible attack by the relatives of the innocent soldiers who lost their lives due to lack of adequate equipment and facilities caused by the diversion of the funds meant for that purpose.

“Apart from the cases that are pending against the applicant, he is also being investigated in respect of other criminal allegations. The applicant acquired a large volume of assets with the proceeds of crimes and my team is currently tracing the assets and, if released on bail, the applicant will interfere with the asset tracing activities.

“The applicant transferred huge sums of monies to various companies, whose identifies we are still trying to trace. And, if released on bail, the applicant will interfere and frustrate our investigation. Our investigation also revealed that the applicant transferred large sums of monies outside Nigeria and he acquired several assets in Dubai and London with these funds.

“The prosecution is prepared to prove its case within the shortest possible time if the application is refused and the court orders accelerated hearing.”