News
N4.6 Billion Allegedly Diverted For Prayers Against Insecurity – EFCC Witness Testifies
Eko Hot Blog reports a startling revelation emerged during the trial of the former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, as an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Kazeem Yusuf, testified that N4.6 billion was allegedly diverted to organize prayers for Nigeria.
EDITOR’S PICK:
- Kano Hisbah Arrests 52 Keke Riders Over Alleged Immoral Haircuts And Unlawful Activities
- Femi Otedola Expresses Joy As He Makes Forbes’ Africa Billionaires List After Seven Years
- Naval Chief Faces Allegations Of N8 Billion Fraud And Oil Theft – Coalition Urges Probe
This revelation was made before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court during the ongoing trial of Yuguda and other co-defendants.
Yuguda is facing trial alongside former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col Sambo Dasuki (retd), former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa, his son Sagir, and Dalhatu Investment Limited, a company owned by Bafarawa.
The charges against them include misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and receiving stolen property.
According to Yusuf, the EFCC initiated an investigation after receiving a petition from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The investigation allegedly revealed that Dalhatu Investment Limited was one of 78 companies suspected of receiving money from ONSA without proper documentation for contract bidding.
Yusuf testified that an analysis of Dalhatu Investment Limited’s UBA statement of account revealed receipts totaling N4.6 billion from ONSA between 2014 and 2015.
He further stated that Sagir, who represented the company, claimed the funds were allocated for prayers due to the prevailing insecurity in the country.
The witness elaborated on Sagir’s breakdown of the expenditure, which included payments to various beneficiaries. Senator Abdallah Wali purportedly received N580 million for his Sokoto governorship election campaign in 2015.
Muazu Madawaki, former secretary of the Pilgrims and Welfare Agency in Sokoto State, received N322 million, allegedly for hajj seat payments.
Other beneficiaries listed were Ibrahim Maigoma, Yahaya Dada, Sani Kabir, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yusuf disclosed that funds intended for the supply of security equipment were allegedly misused to purchase a Lexus car, a Hilux van, and 16 Peugeot 206 cars.
These Peugeot vehicles were reportedly distributed to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen in Sokoto.
However, 14 of the Peugeot 206 cars were recovered during the course of the investigation.
The witness further revealed that Amanze Obi received N15.3 million for political publicity during Bafawara’s 2015 presidential campaign.
FUTHER READING:
- Kano Hisbah Arrests 52 Keke Riders Over Alleged Immoral Haircuts And Unlawful Activities
- Grand Return: NRC Set To Relaunch Lagos-Kano Express Train Service
- Opinion!!! Sanwo-Olu And The Pursuit Of A Social Market Economy (2)
The funds allegedly diverted for prayers and security-related matters were used for various purposes, sparking concerns over financial mismanagement.
The ongoing trial continues to unravel the extent of the alleged financial misappropriation involving high-profile individuals.
Click to watch our video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
