The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed how the former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, diverted a staggering sum of ₦4.6 billion, initially designated as security funds, from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Bafarawa on amended 25-count charges, including criminal breach of trust and diversion of public funds.

Other defendants in the case are Bashir Yuguda, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Dalhatu Investment Limited, and Sagir Attahiru.

During the court trial, a second prosecution witness recounted before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, that the former governor diverted a sum of ₦4.6 billion he received as a security fund from the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

Yusuf, EFCC’s officer, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that N4.6 billion in security funds received by Dalhatu Investment Limited from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Dasuki, were used to sponsor Sokoto State indigenes on Muslim pilgrimage and finance Bafarawa’s 2015 presidency quest.

He also added that Bafarawa offset his overseas mortgage and the acquisition of expensive vehicles, including Lexus, Toyota Hilux pickups and 16 Peugeot 206 cars, for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen in the state.

Yusuf further testified that approximately ₦1 billion was disbursed to about 10 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators for conversion to dollars.

“About 10 BDCs said Dalhatu Investment Limited sent somebody to collect the money and about N800 million was transferred to Dalhatu Investment Ltd’s domiciliary account to be converted to dollars. Funds were paid to a company called Development Strategy International Ltd. The directors of the company are Islam Wali and Muhammad Wali who are cousins to Ambassador Abdullahi Wali,” Yusuf said.

Ambassador Abdullahi Wali, according to the witness, received ₦580 million from Dalhatu Investment Ltd. for Bafarawa’s 2015 Sokoto State gubernatorial aspiration.

The witness also revealed transactions involving Muazu Madawaki, Ahmed Yahya, Ibrahim Maigana, and Musa Soba, among others.

Yusuf informed the court about funds allocated for Umra and Hajj allowances, hotel accommodation, and flight tickets for Sokoto State pilgrims, adding that monies were used for political activities, political campaigns, and political publicity for Attahiru Bafarawa’s presidential campaign.

“The Lexus that was purchased was bought by Dalhatu Investment for Abdullahi Wali’s election. Muazu Madawaki, who received N322 million, was also invited. He told the investigation team that the money was for payment for Umra and Hajj allowances, hotel accommodation and flight tickets for some Sokoto State pilgrims.

“Ahmed Yahya received N327 million and when he was invited, he said the money was for political activities. He is the personal assistant to Bafarawa. Ibrahim Maigana received N111 million from Dalhatu Investment for political activities in Sokoto State. He was the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party at that time. One Musa Soba received N85 million on behalf of nine aspirants in the state for the House of Representatives,”

The diverted funds, as confirmed by the National Security Adviser, Major General Muhammad Mungonu, were not used for their intended purposes, the EFCC witness stated.

However, Justice Halilu adjourned the trial until Sunday, April 14, 2024, following the witness’s testimony.