Arms Scam:  Yuguda, Dasuki others granted bail

Justice Peter Afem of the FCT High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, granted a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki ( rtd) and four others bail in the sum of N250m each.

Yuguda alongside  Col.Dasuki (rtd); Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance and Administration, Office of the National Security Adviser; Attahiru Dalhatu Bafawara, a former governor of Sokoto State; Sagir Attahiru, Bafarawa’s son and Dalhatu Investment Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

They are facing a 22-count charge  bordering on conspiracy, bribery, abuse of office and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N28, 315, 000,000.00.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Col. Muhammed Sambo Dasuki, whilst being the National Security Adviser and Shuaibu Salisu,  whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the National Security Adviser,  between 14th April, 2014 and 7th  May, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: an aggregate sum of N3, 350, 000,000.”

Justice Afem had, at the last sitting on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, fixed ruling on the bail application today, after listening to the motion for bail moved by counsel to the defence as well as the prosecution’s counter affidavit. In his ruling today, Justice Afem granted the defendants bail in the sum of N250m each with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties must be serving or retired civil or public servant of the rank of director, with proof that they have the wherewithal to provide the said sum in the event of the defendants jumping bail.

Each of the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of court and their counsel must recommend in writing that the sureties are of good standing.

The defendants must also submit their international passports to the court.
Justice Afem ordered the defendants to be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions.

According to the Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren said the case has been adjourned to February 2, and 3, 2016 for the commencement of trial.