In a significant development in the trial-within-trial of former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, and four others, the Second Prosecution Witness (PW2), Hamza Abdullahi, disclosed to Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, that a staggering sum of N4.633 billion was traced to the account of Dalhatu Investment Limited. This revelation implicated Bafarawa’s son, Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa, and another individual identified simply as Nasir, who were directors of the company, with Sagir being the sole signatory to its bank account.
Abdullahi, formerly the second-in-command of the Special Task Force, Fraud Investigation on Arms and Defence Equipment Procurement in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), provided detailed insights into the investigation’s findings. He revealed that the probe focused on 78 companies suspected of receiving funds from ONSA without proper justification, among which Dalhatu Investment Limited was included.
“The sum of N4.633 billion was traced to Dalhatu Investment Limited Account, domiciled in United Bank of Africa (UBA), with Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa as the sole signatory of the account,” Abdullahi stated before the court.
Abdullahi further informed the court that Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa was interviewed by the investigation team on November 25, 2015, during which he voluntarily provided statements. He attested to witnessing the defendant’s statements and confirmed the absence of any promises, threats, or inducements during the process.
Moreover, Abdullahi noted that Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa, accompanied by his legal counsel, willingly cooperated with the investigation and pledged to provide detailed analysis regarding the beneficiaries of the funds traced to his account.
The court adjourned the proceedings until May 22, 2024, to allow for the defense to present its case in the ongoing trial-within-trial.