The former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki was yesterday charged with illegal possession of weapons and acts that pose potential harm to national security.
The Department of State Security recovered arms and ammunition after credible intelligence led it to search Dasuki’s properties in the capital Abuja and in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria, spokesman Tony Opuiyo said.
The security agency last month said it had searched three properties belonging to Dasuki and recovered seven high assault weapons, several magazines, military gear and 12 new vehicles including five bulletproof vehicles.
Dasuki, who played a key role in advising the previous government of Goodluck Jonathan on the Boko Haram insurgency, was not immediately available for comment.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May, ordered an investigation into weapons purchases under his two predecessors- Goodluck Jonathan and Sheu Yar’Adua. He directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd), to constitute a panel to look into the purchase.
In compliance with the directive, the NSA has named a 13-member panel to probe the purchases. They include Air Vice Marshal J.O. N. Ode as President with Brig.-Gen. Y. I. Shalangwa as Secretary. Other members of the panel include Rear Admiral J. A. Aikhomu (rtd), Rear Admiral E. Ohor (rtd); Brig.-Gen. L. Adelakun (rtd) and Brig.-Gen. M. Aminu Kano (rtd) as members.
Also on the panel are Brig.-Gen. N. Rimtip (rtd); Commodore T. D. Ikoli, Air Commodore. U. Mohammed (rtd); Commodore I. Shafi’I, Col. A. A. Ariyibi, Group Capt. C. A. Oriaku (rtd) and Mr. I. Magu of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as members.
“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which very often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment,” Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said.
Buhari sacked the former defence chiefs last month including security adviser Dasuki and replaced them, in a renewed effort to tackle Boko Haram insurgents who have killed thousands in a quest to create an Islamic state in northern Nigeria.
The agency said the Dasuki could not provide evidence of ownership for the vehicles and weapons and said the bulletproof cars were not reflected in his handover notes.
