How ONSA under Dasuki paid out security funds received from CBN, accountant general – EFCC witness

The EFCC alleges that officials connected to the Office of the National Security Adviser diverted N4.6 billion allocated for arms procurement. The alleged diversion matters because the money was intended to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram during 2014 and 2015. The defendants deny the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution says funds left NSA accounts and reached companies including Dalhatu Investment Limited, Jabbama Ada Global Services, Jawas Multipurpose Ventures, and Onile Nigeria Limited. A previous witness said N4.633 billion was traced to Dalhatu Investment Limited. Another witness said funds meant for security equipment were not used to execute the contracts.

Prosecution testimony further alleged that some money supported pilgrimage to Mecca and the 2015 political campaigns of the then-ruling PDP. The current case remains before the FCT High Court in Maitama. The judge adjourned proceedings to 17 November, while the defendants continue to face 25 counts.

The Office of the National Security Adviser is a federal security office that advises the government and coordinates national-security matters. The Central Bank of Nigeria is the country’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, currency, and oversight of the banking system. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation manages federal government accounting and public-money records.

The article identifies their financial roles through the transactions described. ONSA maintained an account at Access Bank. That account received money from the CBN and security funds connected with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. ONSA then transferred money to companies and other recipients.

These roles matter because public funds should have a traceable path from authorization to payment and records. The article does not describe the agencies’ full control systems. It does show that bank statements, account signatories, and transfer dates became central evidence in the trial.

The specific trial described in the article involves N4.6 billion. The charges allege that this money was diverted from the NSA’s account and was meant for arms procurement. The case covers 25 counts against Sambo Dasuki and his co-defendants, including misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and receiving stolen property.

The article gives a related figure from earlier testimony. Hamza Abdullahi, the first prosecution witness, said N4.633 billion was traced to Dalhatu Investment Limited. He identified Sagir Bafarawa as the company’s sole account signatory. These figures concern the prosecution’s evidence in this case, not necessarily a final judicial finding.

The requested audit-panel figure for money that could not be accounted for across the wider arms-procurement investigation is not stated in the provided article. The text mentions another N33.2 billion trial but gives no audit-panel total. That missing figure cannot be supplied without another source.

The article names Jabbama Ada Global Services, Jawas Multipurpose Ventures, Onile Nigeria Limited, and Dalhatu Investment Limited as recipients or linked beneficiaries. It also names individuals connected with accounts, including Salisu Umar Garu, Tom Ikimi, and Sagir Bafarawa. Other individuals and companies also transferred money, according to the witness.

Arhyel Mshelia, an Access Bank compliance officer, reviewed ONSA account statements in court. He described credits from the CBN and transfers to recipients. Jabbama Ada received N27 million and N400 million on 16 April 2015, plus N500 million on 5 February and N1 billion on 16 April. Onile received N200 million and N100 million in February.

Mshelia said Jawas received N2 billion and noted transfers to defence headquarters. During cross-examination, he said he did not know the transactions’ purpose. He described Jabbama Ada as involved in general contracts, oil and gas, land resale, and transport. He also said he knew no relationship between Jabbama Ada and two defence clients.

The official purpose was to procure arms and security equipment. The money was intended to strengthen the offensive against Boko Haram during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, between 2014 and 2015. That purpose explains why the alleged diversion is central to the criminal case.

The second prosecution witness testified that funds were released from the NSA office for security-equipment supplies. He also said the contracts were not executed. During the investigation, Sagir Bafarawa reportedly provided a list showing how the funds were used. The evidence therefore focuses on both the intended contracts and the later movement of money.

Prosecutors alleged that the money supported other activities instead. They said it helped sponsor pilgrimage to Mecca and partly financed the 2015 political campaigns of the then-ruling PDP. Named recipients included the Sheikh AbdurRahman Al-Sudais Foundation, which allegedly received N500 million, and Abdallah Wali, who allegedly received N580 million through a company.

The case began in 2015 and was described as an over-a-decade-long trial. The article does not give a full explanation for why proceedings took years. It records continuing testimony, cross-examination, multiple defendants, and a separate arms-funds trial, but it does not identify a specific procedural cause for the delay.

At this stage, the defendants’ not-guilty pleas mean they contest the 25 charges. The prosecution must present evidence in court, including testimony about account movements, recipients, and the alleged failure to execute security contracts. Defence lawyers can question witnesses and challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of the transactions.

A plea is not a finding that the defendants committed the alleged offences. Nor does it end the case. The latest hearing described in the article ended with an adjournment to 17 November. The trial therefore remains unresolved, and the allegations have not become convictions.

Public security funds are normally authorized through an approved government budget or other lawful spending approval. Officials should define the purpose, identify the responsible office, and approve payments through designated signatories. Transfers should use official accounts and leave records showing the amount, date, sender, recipient, and supporting contract or invoice.

The article provides examples of some of these records. Dasuki and Salisu Abdulmalik were signatories to the ONSA account at Access Bank. The bank witness reviewed statements showing credits from the CBN and transfers to companies. He identified dates, amounts, account signatories, and payments to defence headquarters. These records created the transaction trail used in court.

After payment, agencies should confirm delivery and performance, reconcile accounts, and submit records for internal and external audit. Auditors can compare payments with contracts and actual results. The article says the contracts were allegedly not executed, but it does not detail the full authorization or audit process. Strong documentation helps investigators establish responsibility and detect misuse.