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Ex-NSA, Dasuki, Others Re-arraigned Over Alleged N33.2bn Scam

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex- National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), and three others were re-arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought the charges against Dasuki alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, as well as two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited

The defendants are facing a 32-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and dishonest release of public funds.

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Their re-arraignment before Justice Charles Agbaza follows the reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who was previously handling the matter.

Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, before Justice Baba-Yusuf, alongside a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, on a 19-count charge linked to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud.

The charges were later amended, and Salisu’s name was removed. Subsequently, Dasuki and the others were re-arraigned on May 11, 2018, on a fresh 32-count charge involving N33.2 billion.

However, the trial was stalled after the prosecution presented only one witness—the investigating officer—who was yet to conclude his testimony before the case was indefinitely adjourned.

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The EFCC had also filed another case against Dasuki in 2015, in which he was charged alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son, Sagir Bafarawa; and his company, Dalhatu Investment Limited. They faced a 25-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N19.4 billion.

The case was recently transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.

Both trials suffered multiple delays due to the refusal of the Department of State Services to release Dasuki on bail, despite court orders granting him bail.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 32 counts read to them.

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The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, then requested a trial date.

Lawyers to Dasuki and Baba-Kusa, A.A. Usman and Richard Ibiye, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue enjoying their existing bail, assuring that they had always been present for court proceedings.

The prosecution did not oppose the request but stressed the importance of the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial.

After considering submissions from both sides, Justice Agbaza ruled that the defendants should remain on their existing bail and adjourned the trial to July 1.

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Eid-El-Fotri: Reps Minority Caucus felicitates with Muslims, calls for prayers for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria 

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The House of Representatives Minority Caucus felicitates with Muslims across the country calling for prayers for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.

This was contained in a sallah message jointly signed by the caucus leaders, Rep.  O.K Chinda Minority Leader Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C Minority Whip  Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki  Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip.

In the message, the caucus  congratulates the entire Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitri celebrations, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“Indeed, it is a very unique day for every Muslim faithful, as it is of significance following the successful completion of the one-month long fasting; which is one of the cardinal tenets of Islam.

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“As our Muslim brethren across the country join others around the world to mark this auspicious day; and confident that Allah has accepted all prayers and supplications during this period, the Caucus, further admonish all to sustain the teachings, practice, and lessons of the Holy Month which includes life-changing virtues of charity, empathy, generosity, and compassion to one another.

“The Caucus also wishes to impress all Muslims (and Christians; who are also observing Lent) to continually pray for  peace, unity, progress, and development of our dear country.

“We believe that through prayers, our leaders; at all levels will have the right wisdom, knowledge, and understanding towards navigating the country through multi-sectoral challenges and difficulties that are not only limiting the realization of Nigeria’s potentials but throwing our people into immeasurable hardship and corrosive poverty.

“In the same vein, the Caucus urges the Federal Government; through relevant  agencies to ensure the protection of lives and properties across the country, following recent security challenges witnessed in some locations and communities in the North West, North Central, South East, and  South South geo-political zones.

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Watch insights on marriage, divorce, family law with Chuma Chinye on ‘Your Family Lawyer (Video)

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Watch last Saturday’s episode below:

 

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Harmony Gardens CEO, Hon. Mosadoluwa Greets President Tinubu At 73

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Honarable (Alhaji) Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, the Chief Executive of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited has extended birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his 73rd birthday, wishing him good health and long life in order for the country to benefit from his “excellent leadership.”

In a message to mark the 73rd birthday of the President, the businessman commended Asiwaju Tinubu for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” while wishing him many happy returns of the day and thanking him for creating an enabling environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs to succeed in their pursuits.”

Hon. Mosadoluwa who is also the founder of Royal Crystal Airways, New Horizon Aviation Agency, Ibile Auctioneer & Recovery and Ibile Food Security Farm City Limited in a statement issued on Saturday, was quoted as saying, “President Tinubu is a goal getter with keen interest of assembling technocrats in his team, courageous, audacious, passionate, patriotic nationalist and committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria without looking back.”

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The Oyo town-born businessman added, “President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect is unparalleled and he is no doubt a grandmaster of progressive politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“When he came into power in 2023 his administration met Nigeria’s economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, however President Tinubu impressively turned the tide by implementing bold reforms to stabilise the economy.

“The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation to a considerable percentage and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.

“On this auspicious day Mr. President, all of us at Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited we say happy glorious birthday to you sir. May you celebrate more, in overflowing happiness and good health. Your Excellency, congratulations sir.”

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