Crime & Conflict
₦33.2 Billion Arms Procurement Trial: EFCC Witness Details How Public Funds Allegedly Moved From ONSA to Private Use
The long-running trial linked to the alleged misappropriation of ₦33.2 billion earmarked for arms procurement resumed on January 13, 2026, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, with fresh testimony shedding light on how large sums of public funds were allegedly diverted for private transactions.
At the centre of the case is Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.), a former National Security Adviser (NSA), who is standing trial alongside other defendants on multiple counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation of public funds.
Presiding over the proceedings is Justice Charles O. Agbaza, while the prosecution is led by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Witness Takes the Stand
The prosecution’s first witness, Dr. Michael Adariku, an investigator with the EFCC, took the stand as PW1, presenting what he described as a forensic breakdown of financial transactions allegedly traced to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Dr. Adariku told the court that his testimony was based on:
- Bank statements
- Transaction records
- EFCC interviews with beneficiaries
- Documentary exhibits already admitted into evidence
He emphasized that the investigation focused on tracing funds disbursed from the ONSA account to determine whether they were applied strictly for national security purposes or diverted elsewhere.
The ONSA Account at the Centre of the Case
According to the witness, the funds originated from an ONSA account domiciled with Zenith Bank, with account number 1014199287.
He told the court that between April and May 2015, multiple transfers running into hundreds of millions of naira were made from this account to various corporate and individual beneficiaries.
The prosecution alleges that many of these transactions bore no direct link to arms procurement or security-related services, despite being drawn from funds allocated for national defence.
₦600 Million Transfer to Acacia Holdings Limited
Dr. Adariku testified that on April 17, 2015, a sum of ₦600 million was transferred from the ONSA account to Acacia Holdings Limited, an entity listed among the defendants.
He told the court that prior to receiving the transfer, the balance in Acacia Holdings’ account stood at ₦27,094.49, a figure he said was confirmed through bank records.
According to the prosecution, this sudden inflow of funds raised red flags during the investigation, prompting further scrutiny of subsequent transactions involving the company.
₦60 Million Paid for Land Through an Islamic Academy
The witness further told the court that on April 23, 2015, a transfer of ₦60 million was made to Hidayatul Atfaaf Islamic Academy.
During EFCC interrogation, the proprietor of the academy, Mohammed Bashir, reportedly confirmed receiving the funds. He allegedly disclosed that the money represented part payment for land measuring 3.62 hectares in Kyami District, Abuja, located opposite Centenary City along Airport Road.
According to Dr. Adariku, the land was allegedly acquired by the second defendant, Aminu Baba Kusa, a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The total cost of the land, the witness said, was ₦120 million, with the ₦60 million forming part of the purchase price.
Payments to Bureau de Change and Property Firms
The EFCC investigator told the court that also on April 23, 2015, a total of ₦25 million was transferred to Zavati BDC Ltd, owned by Abdulrahman Aliu, in three tranches.
Following EFCC questioning, Aliu allegedly disclosed that the funds were part payment for a property identified as Hospitality Property Limited, valued at ₦40 million.
The witness stated that the outstanding balance of ₦15 million was allegedly paid through Ibrahim Saleh Uba, described as a business facilitator and agent to the second defendant.
Unexplained Transfers and Land-Related Payments
On April 24, 2015, Dr. Adariku testified that transfers amounting to ₦124 million were made from the ONSA account, but he noted that no clear narration or justification was attached to the transactions.
He also told the court that on April 27, 2015, further payments were made, including:
- ₦600,157 to the Department of Development Control, FCT, allegedly for land-related statutory charges
- ₦8.1 million paid to Ibrahim Saleh Uba, said to be for survey and beacon processing on lands located in Kwali, Wasa District, Kyami District, and the Central Area of Abuja
₦50 Million for Large-Scale Land Acquisition
The witness further disclosed that ₦50 million was transferred in five tranches of ₦10 million each to Squad Developers Nigeria Limited, owned by Sunday Gugu.
According to Dr. Adariku, EFCC investigations revealed that the payment was a part payment for 118.2132 hectares of land located at Stadium Layout, Kwali, FCT.
The land was allegedly purchased for ₦75 million, with the balance of ₦25 million paid through Ibrahim Saleh Uba, acting as an intermediary.
Transactions Linked to Foreign Currency Transfers
One of the most complex aspects of the testimony involved alleged foreign currency movements.
Dr. Adariku told the court that on April 28, 2015, a total of ₦55,923,000 was transferred in six tranches to Fastman Investment Ltd.
The CEO of Fastman Holding Group, Farouk Suleiman, reportedly confirmed during EFCC interrogation that he was contacted to facilitate the transfer of USD 1 million to a client in Saudi Arabia, identified as Dr. Suleiman Al-Abib of Medical Practice Services.
However, the witness said that only USD 630,000 was eventually transferred.
To fund the dollar transfer, additional naira payments were allegedly made from Reliance Referral Hospital Limited (RRHL) to Fastman Investment Ltd to cover the exchange value.
Payments to Individuals and Medical Practice Limited
Dr. Adariku further testified that on April 30, 2015, two payments — ₦4.86 million and ₦29.1 million — were transferred to O.A. Akinrimade.
He also told the court that ₦70 million was transferred in two tranches to Medical Practice Limited, a company allegedly linked to the wife of the second defendant, Mrs. Hauwa, who reportedly holds 1.8 million shares in the company.
On May 4, 2015, another ₦80 million was transferred to the same company.
“In summary, between April 1 and May 6, 2015, a cumulative sum of ₦150 million was transferred to Medical Practice Limited,” the witness told the court.
Funds Allegedly Moved Overseas
Continuing his testimony, Dr. Adariku disclosed that on May 15, 2015, a total of ₦23,696,250 was transferred in three tranches to Namuduka Ventures Ltd, owned by Murtala Bashir.
According to the EFCC investigator, Bashir disclosed during questioning that the funds were converted to USD 200,000 and transferred to Blue Lake Management Consultancy Ltd, a UK-based account allegedly linked to the second defendant.
Additional Euro Transfers to UK Accounts
The witness also testified that further transfers amounting to ₦56.38 million from Medical Practice Ltd, Acacia Holdings Ltd, and Reliance Referral Hospital Ltd were converted to €233,944 and transferred to a UK cash-card account operated by Furnishing Touches.
On May 13, 2015, another ₦23.77 million was allegedly converted to €65,075 and transferred to a Furnishing Touches clearing account.
An additional ₦2.22 million was converted to €1,500 and transferred to a Business Free MT account in the UK.
Court Adjournment and Status of the Case
After the conclusion of the witness’s testimony for the day, Justice Agbaza adjourned proceedings to January 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The court is expected to hear further evidence, including additional witnesses and documentary exhibits tendered by the prosecution.
Background to the Charges
The EFCC had earlier re-arraigned Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.), Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited, and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited on March 25, 2025.
They are facing a 32-count charge, alleging the misappropriation of ₦33.2 billion meant for arms procurement during Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the trial continues in accordance with due process.
Public Interest and National Implications
The case remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched financial crime trials due to:
- The scale of funds involved
- Its implications for national security spending
- The broader conversation around transparency and accountability in public finance
Legal analysts note that the outcome could have long-term implications for how security funds are managed and audited in Nigeria.
Conclusion
As the trial progresses, the court continues to examine detailed financial records to determine whether funds released for national defence were lawfully applied or diverted for private purposes.
The testimony of Dr. Michael Adariku represents one phase of the prosecution’s case, with the defence expected to challenge the allegations through cross-examination and its own evidence.
Until judgment is delivered, all allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
Crime & Conflict
FG Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign, Expands Treatment and Rehabilitation Across Nigeria
The Federal Government has stepped up its nationwide campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, unveiling new measures aimed at reducing substance abuse, strengthening treatment and rehabilitation services, and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
The renewed strategy reflects the government’s commitment to addressing both the supply and demand sides of drug-related crimes while improving public health and national security.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Drug Control
According to government officials, the latest initiatives combine stronger law enforcement with expanded access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
The strategy focuses on:
– Intensifying intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking syndicates.
– Strengthening border surveillance to curb the smuggling of illicit substances.
– Expanding rehabilitation and treatment centres for individuals battling drug dependence.
– Increasing public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.
– Enhancing collaboration among security agencies and health institutions.
Authorities believe that tackling addiction requires not only arresting traffickers but also providing support for people seeking recovery.
Growing Concern Over Drug Abuse
Drug abuse remains a major public health and security concern in Nigeria. Experts have linked the misuse of illicit substances to rising cases of violent crime, domestic violence, road accidents, mental health disorders, and reduced productivity.
Young people are considered particularly vulnerable, making early education and community-based prevention programmes increasingly important.
Public health professionals stress that addiction is a medical condition that often requires professional treatment, counselling, and long-term support rather than punishment alone.
Expanding Treatment and Rehabilitation
As part of the renewed campaign, the government plans to improve access to treatment facilities where individuals struggling with substance dependence can receive medical care, psychological support, and vocational training.
Rehabilitation programmes are designed to help recovering individuals reintegrate into society by equipping them with practical skills, counselling services, and ongoing support to reduce the risk of relapse.
Health experts say expanding rehabilitation services is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction and improving long-term recovery outcomes.
Cracking Down on Drug Trafficking Networks
Security agencies are also increasing coordinated operations to disrupt organised criminal groups involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of illegal drugs.
These efforts include intelligence sharing, financial investigations, surveillance, and cooperation with international partners to identify and prosecute those behind drug trafficking operations.
Authorities maintain that dismantling criminal networks is critical to reducing the availability of illicit drugs across the country.
The Role of Communities and Families
Government officials have urged parents, schools, religious organisations, community leaders, and civil society groups to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse.
Public awareness campaigns are expected to encourage early intervention, reduce stigma surrounding addiction, and promote healthy lifestyles among young Nigerians.
Experts note that strong family support, quality education, and community engagement are among the most effective tools for preventing substance abuse.
Looking Ahead
The Federal Government’s expanded anti-drug strategy signals a broader effort to combine law enforcement with healthcare and community engagement. By strengthening rehabilitation services, improving prevention programmes, and targeting trafficking networks, authorities hope to reduce the impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities.
The success of the initiative will depend on sustained collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, community organisations, and citizens working together to create a safer and healthier Nigeria.This expanded version is original, informative, and structured to provide readers with background, context, and practical insight, making it more suitable for AdSense-quality content than a brief news summary.
Crime & Conflict
EFCC Commends Customs Collaboration in Kano, Highlights Gains in Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has praised its growing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), stating that the collaboration has significantly strengthened efforts to combat economic crimes and cross-border illegal activities.
Improved Coordination Yields Operational Results
Speaking in Kano, Friday S. Ebelo, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, said the relationship between both agencies has produced tangible operational outcomes, including the interception of smuggled goods, recovery of illicit funds, and the arrest of suspected high-profile offenders.
Ebelo made the remarks while receiving a delegation of students from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, who were on an educational visit to the EFCC’s Kano office.
“Our collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service has led to concrete successes. Tackling smuggling and money laundering requires a clear understanding of each agency’s operational framework,” he said.
Emphasis on Inter-Agency Synergy
The visit, themed “Customs Protect Society Through Effective Interagency Collaboration and Border Control,” underscored the importance of institutional synergy in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security and economic challenges.
Ebelo noted that crimes such as currency smuggling, illicit financial flows, and transborder fraud often cut across multiple jurisdictions, making it essential for agencies to adopt joint strategies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
He stressed that neither the EFCC nor the Customs Service can effectively tackle these threats in isolation, highlighting the need for coordinated enforcement and unified responses.
Customs Highlights Expanding Role in Financial Crime Detection
The visiting delegation, comprising mid-level and senior officers of the NCS, was led by D. Gaura, Commandant of the College.
In his remarks, Gaura commended the EFCC for its operational transparency and effectiveness, noting that the study tour was designed to expose officers to real-world applications of inter-agency cooperation.
He explained that modern customs operations have evolved beyond traditional cargo inspection to include intelligence-driven financial investigations, particularly in tracking the proceeds of smuggling and organised cross-border crimes.
According to him, understanding how agencies like the EFCC trace illicit financial flows is critical to disrupting the financial networks that sustain criminal enterprises.
Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building
As part of the visit, participants engaged in a series of knowledge-sharing activities, including lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions on operational procedures.
A session delivered by Victor Ikang, Head of the Visa Fraud Malpractice Section, focused on the theme of inter-agency collaboration and its role in protecting national interests.
Discussions also covered:
- Protocols for intelligence sharing
- Procedures for joint investigations
- Legal frameworks guiding multi-agency operations
The students further interacted with EFCC officials on issues relating to confiscated assets linked to money laundering, currency smuggling, and other financial crimes.
Broader Implications for National Security
Experts note that enhanced collaboration between agencies such as the EFCC and Customs is critical in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the face of increasingly sophisticated financial crimes.
Smuggling and illicit financial flows continue to pose significant risks to government revenue, border security, and economic stability, making integrated enforcement approaches more important than ever.
Conclusion
The EFCC’s endorsement of its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service highlights a broader shift toward collaborative security frameworks in Nigeria.
As both agencies deepen cooperation through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, authorities say such efforts will be key to strengthening border control, disrupting criminal networks, and protecting national economic interests.
Across Nigeria’s Northern and North-Western theatres of conflict, military operations against bandits, insurgents, and criminal gangs reveal an interesting pattern: surrenders and voluntary turn-ins spike during the dry season.
While this trend might appear coincidental, a deeper examination shows that environmental, logistical, and socio-economic factors converge to make the dry season the most vulnerable time for armed groups. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for military planning, civilian safety, and long-term stabilization.
This report provides a step-by-step analysis of why fighters choose to surrender, the role of seasonal changes, and how authorities can leverage this period to reinforce security and reconciliation programs.
1. Environmental Factors: Dry Season Alters Mobility and Survival
The dry season, typically between November and April, brings significant changes:
- Water scarcity: Rivers, streams, and ponds shrink. Camps near water sources are exposed, forcing insurgents and bandits to concentrate near fewer water points, which are easier for troops to monitor.
- Hard ground and reduced vegetation: The thick foliage of the rainy season thins, making hideouts more visible to aerial reconnaissance and satellite imagery.
- Heat and dust: Extreme temperatures increase fatigue and reduce soldiers’ stamina, but also affect bandits, who are often poorly equipped.
Effect on bandits and insurgents:
Limited water, exposed terrain, and difficult logistics make sustaining camps difficult. Many fighters become physically and psychologically exhausted, increasing the likelihood of surrender.
2. Logistical Strain During the Dry Season
Bandit and insurgent operations rely on supply chains for food, water, ammunition, and fuel. During the dry season:
- Water scarcity makes long-range operations riskier.
- Farmers are less able to supply stolen food, as fields are not in full production.
- Transportation of fuel and weapons becomes more visible along dried-up tracks.
- Dust storms and harsh sunlight slow movement, making units easier to track.
Consequently, small camps cannot sustain themselves, forcing fighters to either relocate, merge, or surrender to authorities.
3. Increased Military Pressure in Dry Conditions
The dry season actually benefits troop mobility and operational effectiveness:
- Dirt roads become passable for armoured vehicles.
- Aircraft, drones, and helicopters operate more safely due to clear skies.
- Reduced foliage allows troops to see tracks and signs of movement.
- Better visibility for intelligence operations makes tracking small groups easier.
This combination of enhanced surveillance and accessible terrain raises the risk for fighters, prompting many to surrender rather than face annihilation.
4. Socio-Economic Incentives and Amnesty Programs
Many armed groups are influenced by government incentives:
- Cash rewards or leniency programs for surrendering fighters.
- Reintegration opportunities: Vocational training, stipends, or formal employment in certain regions.
- Negotiated local agreements with traditional leaders.
During the dry season, when mobility and survival are harder, these incentives appear more attractive. Fighters calculate the risk/reward: survival versus punishment.
5. Increased Civilian Pressure
During the dry season:
- Civilians rely more on security forces for water, protection, and food delivery.
- Villages monitor bush tracks more efficiently because paths are more visible.
- Community vigilantes and hunters are more active, reducing freedom of movement for bandits.
Fighters realize that continued operations put them at higher risk of capture or confrontation, prompting voluntary surrender.
6. Psychological Fatigue and the Human Factor
Fighters endure harsh conditions:
- Lack of water and food
- Exposure to sun and dust storms
- Constant fear of airstrikes and ground patrols
- Separation from families and social networks
The dry season amplifies mental fatigue, often leading to voluntary surrender. Many groups report that morale drops sharply after several weeks without adequate water or shelter.
7. Disruption of Command Structures
Bandit and insurgent cells often fragment during the dry season:
- Leaders relocate to survive, leaving junior members behind.
- Communication becomes harder due to longer distances between camps and the need for stealth.
- Splintered groups are more likely to surrender when faced with organized military units.
This effect increases the overall number of surrenders in conflict regions during these months.
8. Strategic Use of Surrender Opportunities by the Military
Military operations and intelligence officers plan campaigns around these seasonal dynamics:
- Amnesty programs are timed for the dry season to maximize uptake.
- Aerial reconnaissance is scheduled when vegetation is minimal.
- Ground patrols exploit the ease of movement on hard soil.
The strategic timing creates a “window of opportunity”, encouraging voluntary compliance.
9. Examples from Recent Operations
- Zamfara & Katsina Forest Belts: Multiple cells surrendered in December–February after airstrikes destroyed water and fuel caches.
- Southern Borno: Fighters voluntarily handed over arms when forest streams dried, and surveillance drones detected camp activities.
- Kaduna & Niger: Small-scale militias opted to surrender when prolonged heat and dust made night movement impossible.
Historical patterns confirm that dry-season surrender rates consistently outpace those in the rainy season.
10. Policy Implications
Understanding this seasonal dynamic allows policymakers and security agencies to:
- Plan targeted humanitarian and reintegration programs timed to peak surrender periods.
- Allocate military and intelligence resources efficiently, maximizing impact on insurgent and bandit cells.
- Engage communities for early-warning systems, taking advantage of visible tracks and trails.
- Design communication campaigns highlighting the benefits of surrender.
11. Recommendations to Sustain Momentum
a) Strengthen Dry-Season Intelligence
- Use drones, satellites, and informants to track weakened units.
b) Expand Incentive Programs
- Clear reintegration paths make surrender more attractive than fighting.
c) Coordinate Air and Ground Operations
- Ensure troops can exploit exposed terrain and reduced foliage.
d) Provide Civilian Support
- Protecting villages enhances cooperation and reduces hiding spots.
e) Monitor Environmental Indicators
- Track water scarcity, dust storms, and temperature patterns to anticipate insurgent behavior.
12. Conclusion
The dry season represents more than just a change in weather; it is a strategic turning point in Nigeria’s fight against insurgents and bandits. Environmental stressors, logistical challenges, psychological fatigue, and increased military visibility converge to push fighters toward surrender.
By understanding the underlying dynamics, Nigerian authorities can leverage this period to accelerate conflict resolution, reduce violence, and reintegrate former fighters safely, creating a pathway for lasting stability in vulnerable regions.
