In a dramatic turn of events, former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) was re-arraigned on Tuesday before an Abuja High Court over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud, reigniting one of Nigeria’s most controversial corruption cases.
Dasuki, alongside ex-NNPC General Manager Aminu Baba-Kusa and two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited—faced a fresh 32-count charge of criminal breach of trust and illegal diversion of public funds. The case, now before Justice Charles Agbaza, has been marred by prolonged delays, legal maneuvering, and allegations of political persecution.
Originally arraigned in 2015, Dasuki’s trial has suffered multiple setbacks, including the refusal of the Department of State Services (DSS) to release him on bail despite repeated court orders. The EFCC also has a separate case against him and former top officials, including ex-Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda and former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, over the alleged misappropriation of N19.4 billion.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Dasuki and the other defendants pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers urged the court to allow them to remain on bail. The judge granted the request but warned that they must remain available throughout the trial, which was adjourned to July.
With years of stalled proceedings and allegations of government interference, the revived trial raises fresh questions about Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight and whether justice will finally be served or if this is just another political chess game.
