By Dennis Okechukwu
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Kazeem Yusuf, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that ₦4.6 billion was transferred from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the tenure of former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
Yusuf gave the testimony at the ongoing trial of Dasuki; former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son, Sagir Bafarawa; and Dalhatu Investment Limited.
The defendants are standing trial before Justice Yusuf Halilu on an amended 25-count charge bordering on misappropriation of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and receiving stolen property.
During cross-examination by counsel to the first defendant, A.A. Ayodele, the witness said he could not recall how long the defendants were detained and confirmed that he was not present when they made statements at the EFCC headquarters.
Yusuf further told the court that there was no record showing that the ₦4.6 billion was paid directly into the personal account of the first defendant.
Under questioning by counsel to Dasuki, A. Usman, the witness confirmed that the funds originated from the ONSA account and said he understood the nature of covert operations carried out by the office.
In further cross-examination by counsel to the third, fourth and fifth defendants, Prof. Kayode Olatoke, SAN, and H. Afolabi, SAN, Yusuf stated that while none of the defendants received the funds in their personal accounts, companies linked to them were credited.
At the close of proceedings, Justice Halilu adjourned the matter until April 14 for continuation of trial.