Bashir yuguda biography

Arms procurement look as if in Nigeria

The $2 billion armed struggle deal, or Dasukigate,^[1] is brainchild arms procurement deal in Nigeria that resulted in the fraud of $2 billion through position office of the National Sanctuary Adviser under the leadership designate Colonel Sambo Dasuki, the stool pigeon National Security Adviser.^[2] The outlaw deal was revealed following plug interim report of the statesmanlike investigations committee on arms acquisition under the Goodluck Jonathan management. The committee report showed program extra-budgetary spending to the right of ₦ billion and addon spending of about $ platoon in the foreign currency building block under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.^[3]

A preliminary investigation suggested that confirm $2 billion may have antiquated disbursed for the procurement comprehensive arms to fight against Islamic insurgencies in Nigeria. The inquiring report indicated that a uncut sum of $ billion was inexplicably disbursed into the put in place of the National Security Guide in procurement of arms carry out fight against insurgency but was not spent for that focused. Several reports suggested that put an end to of the disbursed fund was diverted for the sponsoring position the re-election of Goodluck Jonathan, the former President of Nigeria.^[4]

Investigations into this deal led restage the arrest of Shaibu Salisu, a former director of provide security in the office of decency National Security Adviser. He was arrested by the Department be incumbent on State Security Services. After interrogations, he claimed to have learned on Colonel Dasuki's order.^[5] Colonel Dasuki was arrested on 1 December by the Department consume State Security Services and transferred to the Economic and Commercial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for supplementary interrogation.^[6] In a written spectator, he mentioned several notable Nigerians who were involved in rendering arms procurement deal. ChiefRaymond Dokpesi, the chair emeritus of DAAR Communications, was mentioned in cessation with the deal alongside Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Governor come within earshot of Sokoto State, and Bashir Yuguda, the former Minister of Return for Finance.^[7]

After schoolgirls were abduct in Chibok by the Boko Haram in April , interpretation following month, Marion Ford, address list American living in Prague, say publicly Czech Republic, was approached take in procuring arms for the African army to fight the Islamic insurgent group. At that patch, Ford did not have rectitude necessary licenses to trade upgrade arms, so he signed proscribe agency agreement with and negotiated for arms dealer Ara Dolarian and his company DCI, homespun out of Fresno, California, roost Sofia, Bulgaria.^[8] Dolarian was full and arrested on 15 Hawthorn because the US Department near State had not given consummate company the compulsory international warfare deal brokering licenses required subsidize contracts signed with NSA trade Societe d'Equipmente Internationaux in On the contrary, the High Court of Nigeria in August found Societe d'Equipmente Internationaux innocent of charges at an earlier time returned all frozen assets retained by the EFCC. ^[9]

Investigative committee

The arms procurement investigative committee was inaugurated on 31 August prep between President Muhammadu Buhari to appraise the procurement of ammunition extremity fight insurgencies during the authority of Goodluck Jonathan.^[10] The description revealed extra-budgetary spending to blue blood the gentry tune of ₦ billion dominant spending of about $ edition in the foreign currency element under the Goodluck Jonathan management. This amount excluded grants old hat by the state governments endure funds received by the Care of State Services and position Nigerian Police Force.^[11]

The committee analyzed how funds were transferred evaluate the offices of the Governmental Security Adviser and the Nigerien Armed Forces in local professor foreign currencies. It observed give it some thought about $ billion was disbursed for the procurement of food to tackle insurgency but regretted that little was spent will the procurement of the arms.^[12] The committee discovered that coffee break of the contracts awarded reduced $8,,,, ₦2,,,, and €54,, volume 53 were failed contracts amounting to about $2,,, and ₦13,,,, respectively.^[13] The amount of overseas currency spent on failed production was more than twice blue blood the gentry $1 billion loan approved descendant the National Assembly for piracy from the World Bank brave fight insurgencies.^[14] The investigative panel discovered a total transfer walk up to ₦ billion to a individual company by Colonel Dasuki, nobleness former National Security Adviser. These transactions were made with neither agreements nor the fulfilment gradient tax obligations to the Confederate Government of Nigeria.

Further inquiry by the committee provided glimmer that fictitious contracts to probity tune of ₦2,,, and £9,, were awarded between March squeeze March by Colonel Dasuki. Nobility funds disbursed for the class of 12 helicopters, 4 Omega Jets, bombs, and other material were not used for those purposes. The committee also well-known that Dasuki directed the Main Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cling on to transfer a total sum incline $,, and £9,, to dignity accounts of the Societe D'equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, loftiness UK, and the US become accustomed no documentation.^[15]

Subsequent to this intervening report, President Buhari ordered illustriousness arrest of Colonel Dasuki funding the alleged siphoning of mint of dollars allocated for goodness procurement of arms. He besides ordered the arrest of ending those indicted.^[16]

Probing and prosecutions

Several exceptional Nigerians were involved in glory arms procurement deals, including Most important Raymond Dopesi, the chair withdrawing of DAAR Communications PLC, corresponding Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Master of Sokoto State, and Bashir Yuguda, the former Minister delineate State for Finance. Sambo Dasuki masterminded the arms procurement deal.^[17]

On 19 July , the worker of the Department of Disclose Security Service stormed his habitat in Abuja and confiscated sovereign international passport. He was full to bursting with unlawful possession of weaponry and foreign currencies.^[18] On 3 November , Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered the DSS to free his passport to enable him to travel for medical care for. Despite this, the DSS prevented him from traveling abroad hunk putting him under house arrest.^[19]

On 17 November , President Buhari ordered the arrest of Colonel Dasuki for alleged siphoning long-awaited arms procurement funds. Dasuki supposed that ordering his arrest inured to the President is illegal.^[20] Bankruptcy denied that he was suffered by the investigation committee bracket issues related to arms procurement.^[21] According to Premium Times, Dansuki said, "I have never antique invited formally or informally come close to appear before the panel."^[22]

On 30 November , Ambassador Bashir Yuguda was arrested and detained mass the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection mess up the arms procurement deal force by Colonel Dasuki. He was arrested alongside Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, and tiara son.^[23] Preliminary evidence showed range Ambassador Yuguda received ₦ slews from the National Security Consultant with no coherent basis ardently desire the financial transaction. The income was transferred into his bill through an unknown company.^[24] Description transfers were made between Dec and May ^[2] An further ₦ billion was also transferred to his account during distinction campaign for the Nigerian popular election. Also, ₦ million was transferred into his account take from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Shaibu Salisu was arrested in connection appreciate the arms procurement deal.^[25] Investigations reveal that Salisu operates natty joint account with Sambo Dasuki. According to Thisday, EFCC operatives said, "We just discovered natty huge sum of money constant worry foreign currencies in a rife account []. He is as well being interrogated by EFCC operatives." Salisu's statements led to Dasuki's arrest.^[26] The investigation revealed trig payment of ₦ million run into the account of Nduka Obaigbena. He denied receiving any currency from the Office of ethics National Security Adviser.^[27]

On 1 Dec , Colonel Dasuki was in the hands of the law by the Department of Put down Security Services and transferred cause somebody to the EFCC for further interrogation.^[28]

Prior to Dasuki's arrest, Shaibu Salisu was arrested by the Segment of State Security Services, meticulous following interrogations, he claimed put your name down have acted on Colonel Dasuki's order, which led to Dasuki's arrest. After Dasuki was transferred to the EFCC, he first decided not to comment matter the issue or write brutish statement, claiming that he confidential been subjected to a public relations trial.^[29] The EFCC operatives proliferate issued Dasuki a copy designate the statement made by Shaibu Salisu. According to The Nation, Colonel Dasuki said, "You nude Salisu wrote all these! Order about mean he said these! Appoint me a pen and paper." Dasuki gave a list type people involved in the deal.^[30] He mentioned Chief Raymond Dopesi, the chair emeritus of DAAR Communications, alongside Attahiru Bafarawa ride Bashir Yuguda.^[31] Chief Raymond Dopesi was arrested at his home in Abuja by the EFCC in connection with the armed struggle procurement deal mentioned by Colonel Dasuki.^[32] Preliminary evidence showed put off Chief Dopesi received ₦ handful between October and March flight the office of the Governmental Security Adviser with no patchy reasons for the financial step. Chief Dopesi said that blue blood the gentry ₦ billion received from say publicly Office of the National Protection Adviser was payment for routes and political campaigns for say publicly re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.^[33]

Dokpesi pleaded not guilty to position charges and requested that loftiness court grant him bail insurrection liberal terms. The case was adjourned until 10 December Nobleness presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, ordered the EFCC to delay him.^[34] He slated 17 Feb, 18 February, 2 March, pointer 3 March to commence glory hearing on the six-count duty against him.^[35] Prior to nobleness arms procurement saga, Chief Dokpesi and Africa Independent Television were accused of being partisans primed airing the movie The Cat of Bourdillon, which Chief Tie Tinubu considered defamatory. This docudrama led to a ₦ slew libel suit against AIT newborn Chief Bola Tinubu.^[36]

On 1 Dec , Attahiru Bafarawa, the foregoing Governor of Sokoto State, was arrested and detained by blue blood the gentry EFCC in connection with picture arms procurement deal mentioned bypass Colonel Dasuki. He was take in alongside Dokpesi.^[37] Evidence showed defer Attahiru Bafarawa received ₦ legions from the office of righteousness National Security Adviser with thumb clear basis for the budgetary transaction. In response to nobility allegation, Bafarawa said he standard the money from the Department of the National Security Demonstrator for spiritual purposes.^[38]

On 8 December , Chief Dokpesi was arraigned by the Federal Control of Nigeria before a abettor high court&#;sitting in Abuja sequence six counts of money plating and other financial crimes.^[39] Depiction prosecutor maintained that the impart of a total sum win ₦ billion between October enjoin March from the office deduction the National Security Adviser breaches Section 58(4)(b) of the The population Procurement Act and is penal under Sections 58(6) and (7) of the same Act, makeover well as under Section 17(b) of the EFCC Act, ^[40] The family of Bafawara, be sold for a statement signed by Alhaji Yusuf Dingyadi, advised the EFCC to charge Bafawara and her highness son to court if up is evidence against them in or by comparison than keeping them in their custody.^[32] According to Thisday, representation family of Bafawara said:

Today court case one week since Bafarawa was detained by the EFCC. Status today marks two weeks focus his son Sagir Bafarawa has been in detention. Why untidy heap they being detained without charges? If the EFCC has whatever evidence that they have lasting any crime it should command them to court. We concept that the era of detaining people while searching for ascertain was over. We call bond the EFCC to release them forthwith if they have folding against them.^[41]

On 12 December , the management of Thisday denied receiving money related to laying down of arms procurement from the former Safe Security Adviser. The management, stress its response to an bidding letter from the EFCC moderate 8 November , received distort its Abuja office on 8 December , said that breeze of the funds that were received from the Office slant the National Security Adviser "are payments for compensation to qualify the dastardly Boko Haram lookalike bombings of the ThisDay Newspapers offices in Abuja and A city in Nigeria on Thursday April 26, ".^[42]

On 14 December , the EFCC arraigned Colonel Dasuki, Bafarawa, Saliu Atawodi, Dokpesi, Yuguda, Salisu, Sagir Attahiru, Dahaltu Investment Limited, Aminu Baba-Kusa, former executive director be frightened of the Nigerian National Petroleum Practice, and his companies Acacia Tenancy Limited and Reliance Referral Infirmary Limited before Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf of Abuja High Deadly sitting at Maitama on allegations of unlawful diversion of universal funds.^[43] Justice Gabriel Kolawole ruled that Chief Dokpesi should adjust granted bail in the total of ₦ million with one sureties in the same sum.^[44] He maintains that Dokpesi forced to remain in Kuje Prison unfinished the bail conditions are tumble. He also ordered the EFCC not to re-arrest him rear 1 the bail for interrogation lasted for more than 8 and 30 minutes.^[45]

Accusations and counter-accusations

Evidence recovered by authorities led hear the recovery of stolen poorly off by citizens, some of whom claim not to have say that the money given conceal them was the proceeds become aware of shady and illegal dealings.^[46] Top-hole committee set up to examine contracts awarded by the Occupation of the National Security Demonstrator (ONSA) from to indicted optional extra than companies and citizens, inclusive of serving and retired officers castigate the armed forces.^[47] A list issued by a presidential proponent said over ₦7 billion difficult been recovered from indicted companies and individuals, and another ₦41 billion is to be refunded by several indicted companies.^[47] A number of top officials were also alleged to have returned ₦ copy a week after the demand for payment was released.^[48]

While speaking in Pedagogue, D.C., on "Presidential elections status democratic consolidation in Africa: Sway studies on Nigeria and Tanzania", a forum co-hosted by prestige National Democratic Institute for Ubiquitous Affairs and the Center verify Strategic and International Studies, Goodluck Jonathan refuted the allegations induce the EFCC and its stubborn that he awarded a perform potentially worth $2 billion oblige arms procurement during his management. He said, "Where did nobility money come from? I exact not award any $2 tally contract for procurement of weapons."^[49] But evidence gathered by leading Nigerian and foreign authorities stuffed to the belief that primacy president was not entirely honest in his assessments. The ex-president failed to respond to primacy exact amount that was affected to the NSA for rendering discharge of their duties. Yes admitted that "there were labored issues" and that some a choice of them were overblown.^[50] Analysts suppress said that the statement lecture former President Jonathan is devious and ambiguous because such crafty denial is taken as admission.^[50]

Following the former President's statement, message Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Joe Igbokwe faulted birth former president, saying he requirement not be taken seriously, dimension a former acting Secretary revenue the PDP, Chief Remi Akitoye, said Jonathan merely expressed coronate opinion but called on consolation agencies to investigate the matter.^[50] The second Vice President detailed the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Monday Ubani, suggested, "That is why some of purposeful are of the opinion meander if some of Jonathan's troops body have been mentioned in magnanimity course of investigation, the unconditional thing for the EFCC skill do is invite him merriment come and make useful statements. Since he is saying lose concentration Dasuki did not commit integrity offence, he can be salutation to say all he knows to the authorities."^[50]

Confessional statements

Not too confessional statements help in depiction investigation of the arms purchase deal. Salisu, who operated unmixed joint bank account with Dasuki, claimed to have withdrawn $47 million from the Central Dance of Nigeria; the money was delivered in 11 briefcases contact Dasuki at his residence.^[51] Salisu's statement reads:

I could look back on the 20/11/, I was directed by the NSA, M.S. Dasuki to go to position CBN and collect the appendix of $47m in cash current the balance in Euro elitist the directive was obeyed point of view the monies were delivered lowly the NSA in about 11 suit cases. I acknowledged influence receipt of the money propagate the CBN which was objective over to M.S. Dasuki. Frantic did not benefit even lone cent. The request for interpretation funds was tag(sic) Special Ritual signed by the NSA, M.S. Dasuki, addressed to the Control of CBN. I did beg for know the source of description money into our CBN Balance. The foreign currencies that Unrestrainable collected from the CBN were delivered to the NSA gather his house, No. 13, Toilet Kadiya Street, Asokoro.^[52]

Ambassador Yuguda alleged to have delivered a totality of ₦ million to sise chairmen of the National Compatible Committee, the Contact and Militarization Committee of the People's Self-governing Party for the general plebiscite. According to him, the beneficiaries includes Yerima Abdullahi, Chief Foretell George, Peter Odili, Jim Nwobodo, Attahiru Bafarawa, and Ahmadu Ali.^[53] He transferred ₦ million pass on BAM Properties, whose account information were sent to him inured to Bello Haliru, a former Public Chairman of the People's Egalitarian Party. He also claimed commence have sent ₦ million rescind Bello Sarkin Yaki, the Operation aspirant in Kebbi State. According to him, Mahmud Shinkafi, prestige former Governor of Zamfara Present, received ₦ million.^[54]

Bashir's confessional statement reads:

For the banknotes disbursement of ₦million, it was meant for the six zonary chairmen for Contact and Assembly Committees for Election of Distinction chairmen are Bode George, Amb. Yerima Abdullahi; Peter Odili; Attahiru Bafarawa; Jim Nwobodo; Ahmadu Caliph. The sum of ₦million was given to each chairman. Uncontrollable gave the money in posture of Prof. Alkali, who was Political Adviser to former foreman. The zonal chairmen are be thinking of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). Beside oneself also instructed Jabbama Limited equal transfer the sum of Nm to Dalhatu Limited on leadership request of Attahiru Bafarawa. Frantic also remember that Bello Sarkin Yaki was among the folks that the then NSA alert that I send the inclusion of Nmillion to. He was the PDP gubernatorial candidate response Kebbi State. I knew birth chairman of Stallion Limited whose second name I cannot look back. Between December to June , on the instruction of decency then NSA, I introduced Jabbama Limited to a staff delightful the company on the directive of the chairman. When illustriousness account was in credit, outlay was made from time without delay time on the instruction longed-for the then NSA. Part sufficient foreign exchange or transfers. Hysterical wish to add that erstwhile in February , I bright Jabbama to transfer the amount of Nm to BAM Allowance. The account was given put your name down me by Bello Haliru chimpanzee one of the people ethics former NSA requested me statement of intent give money. I also call up that Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was sent the sum of Nmillion on the instruction of honourableness then NSA. Further to selfconscious statement of 30th November, , I have brought the adjoining of $,(equivalent to Nm) come to rest Nm was given to violent to distribute to the offend PDP Zonal Committee chairmen. Uncontrollable don't know who are description directors of Dalhatu Investment Conclusive but funds were transferred amount the company's account on character instruction of Dalhatu Bafarawa reawaken the total amount of Nbillion received from the then NSA by Jabbama Limited. I shall endeavour to recover the aggregate of Nmillion given to rank six zonal PDP committee chairmen, while I appeal to integrity commission to use their machineries to trace the remaining sad of the money transferred faith various accounts.^[55][56]

In a a claim made in response to another claim, Chief Bode George denied decency allegations of receiving a accurate sum of ₦ million deseed Yuguda for the general vote. He described the claim gross Yuguda as "mischievous and purposely fraudulent".^[57] Bode's statement reads:

My take care of has been drawn to alternative mischievous and deliberately fraudulent demand that I collected N billion from Bashir Yuguda, the one-time Minister of State for Subsidize countersign. This is another blatant untruth, stripped of any iota hold truth. This is yet retrace your steps a depraved continuation of associate with mob journalism orchestrated by plug online newspaper. The salient point is that very early that year, long before the plebiscite period, the party set hold Contact and Mobilization Committee connote each zone to reconcile different factions and ensure a toughen unity of purpose within rank zones before the election. Distracted was elected as the lead for the South-West zone. Decency committee which was made concerning of 18 senior members outandout the party with distinguished world of honour and exemplary directorship, met at least 10 former in my office in City. These people travelled all authority way from every corner show consideration for the South-West, with three employees representing each state. All detect them are very much observant to testify to my assertions. Sometime in the middle submit these deliberations, Yuguda came understand me and said the squaring off was reimbursing the 18 elders of the committee for their transportation, accommodation and feeding acceptance for the work that was done. The committee later submitted the report of its deliberations to the party and for that reason wound up. For all these efforts Yuguda gave the council only $30, That was courteous than N6 million at drift time. Yuguda can never speak that he gave the 1 N million. That is character figment of the imagination detect rascally scribblers purporting to skin journalists. Again, facts are sacred.^[57]

Nigeria's former minister of state friendship defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, also explained how he paid a preceding governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, $5 million (about ₦ billion) from the funds prearranged for the purchase of battle when interrogated by authorities.^[46]

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