Nigeria’s Security Advisor ‘Stole $2bn’ Boko Haram Fight Money

While Boko Haram has been insanely killing, causing immeasurable atrocities in northern Nigeria—the fight against the militant group seems to have become a huge profitable business for some Nigerian government officials.

It’s deeply shocking and sad that funds meant for humanity, supposed to be used to fight an extremist group slaughtering innocent people almost daily cannot even go straight towards its purpose: someone cruel and greedy has to dig his hands in there when it comes to Africa.

According to a report by BBC “Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the arrest of his predecessor’s security adviser, for allegedly stealing some $2bn (£1.3bn). Sambo Dasuki is accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, four fighter jets and ammunition.”

The equipment was meant for the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria—soldiers have complained bitterly in the past that despite the huge military budget, they are ill-equipped to fight Boko Haram.

Per a statement, Dasuki is also said to have gotten “the Central Bank to transfer $142.6 million to a company with accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom and in West Africa for unknown purposes and without contracts,” says the Telegraph.

Mr. Sambo Dasuki, 60, who was already under a house arrest when President Muhammadu Buhari ordered for his arrest denies any wrong doing and says, “he had never been invited to appear before the weapon procurement investigative panel, which made the allegations.”

A spokesperson for President Buhari has stated that, such corruption caused the deaths of several Nigerians.

Meanwhile, Dasuki  who is under house arrest as part of an ongoing trial for allegedly possessing illegal firearms has his passport confiscated. But the court in charge of the trial has ordered for his passport to be returned to him so he can travel to the UK for treatment for suspected prostate cancer.

But reports say, the government is unwilling to let him leave the country.

The court granted Mr Dasuki bail and a release of his passport after he pleaded innocent to earlier charges of money-laundering, involving more than $423,000 found in cash, and illegal possession of arms which were seized in two of his homes.

Millions of dollars have been pumped into the fight against Boko Haram by the Nigerian government, with United States donating several millions—but this doesn’t seem to reflect on the result as the terrorist group continues with their relentless bombings.

Just two days ago, in its latest attack, Boko Haram killed at least 32 people in a suicide bomb attack on a vegetable market in the north-eastern city of Yola.