Former Sokoto Governor Bafarawa Allegedly Diverted N4.6 Billion Arms Fund for Prayer Against Insecurity, Luxury Cars, EFCC Testifies

An officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kazeem Yusuf, revealed in the FCT High Court that the sum of N4.6 billion earmarked for arms funding was allegedly misappropriated for purposes including ‘prayer against insecurity’ and the acquisition of luxury cars. The second prosecution witness (PW2), Mr. Yusuf, disclosed this during the trial of former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and others.

The investigation, initiated in response to a petition from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), uncovered irregularities involving Dalhatu Investment Limited, one of 78 companies accused of receiving money from ONSA without proper documentation. The company, owned by former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, faced charges alongside his son Sagir, former NSA Sambo Dasuki, and others.

According to Mr. Yusuf, Dalhatu Investment Limited received N4.6 billion in instalments between 2014 and 2015. Mr. Sagir, representing the company, allegedly claimed the funds were allocated for prayers due to prevalent insecurity. The witness provided a breakdown of expenditures, revealing beneficiaries such as political figures and entities.

Among the notable recipients were Abdullah Wali, who received N580 million for his gubernatorial election in Sokoto, and Muazu Madawaki, who got N322 million for Hajj expenses. The witness highlighted other beneficiaries, including the Sokoto State PDP chairman, INEC, and individuals involved in political publicity.

Mr. Yusuf further stated that parts of the earmarked funds for security equipment were diverted to acquire a Lexus car, a Hilux van, and distribute Peugeot 206 cars to PDP local government chairmen in Sokoto State. EFCC, during the investigation, managed to recover 14 Peugeot 206 vehicles.

The witness informed the court that £123,000 was transferred to a UK bank to settle a mortgage for Mr. Bafarawa, and N1 billion went to Bureaux de Change for conversion to dollars. He asserted that the diverted funds, confirmed by the then NSA Major-General Mohammed Monguno, were not used for their intended purpose.

During the trial, Mr. Yusuf revealed that the defendants voluntarily appeared before EFCC for interviews and statements. However, objections were raised regarding the voluntariness of Sagir Attahiru’s statements, leading to a trial-within-trial ordered by Justice Yusuf Halilu. The trial is adjourned until February 14.