– Dasuki’s wife claims funds came from lobbying contracts
– Corruption fuels insecurity in Africa, says J. Kande
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A fresh investigation has revealed that the family of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, previously accused of embezzling funds meant for fighting Boko Haram, attempted to secure an American visa through multi-million-dollar investments.
The Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) disclosed in a report dated February 24, 2025, that Dasuki purchased a 127-acre horse farm in South Carolina in 2002 while serving as the head of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company—the agency responsible for printing Nigeria’s currency.
Luxury Real Estate Tied to Embezzled Security Funds
The report, released in collaboration with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Initiative (OCCRP), The Post and Courier (South Carolina), and The Houston Chronicle (Texas), further states that in 2015, Dasuki was indicted for misappropriating billions of naira meant to combat Boko Haram—with $27 million traced to luxury real estate purchases in the U.S.
As part of an investor visa application, Dasuki’s wife reportedly told U.S. officials that her husband earned the funds through a $1 million lobbying contract while heading Nigeria’s minting operation. She claimed he lobbied Ghanaian officials on behalf of a Texas-based oil company seeking access to offshore oil platforms.
However, the U.S. government rejected the visa application, questioning the legitimacy of the funds used to purchase the horse farm. Despite this, PPLAAF noted that there was no indication of further action taken against the property.
Horse Farm Turned into Airbnb and Wedding Venue
The farm, which Dasuki allegedly transferred to his wife’s name, features a state-of-the-art equestrian center with:
- 55 stalls
- 16 paddocks of varying sizes
- A quarter-mile racetrack
- Stadium ring equipment with jumps
- Four barns and trails
- Four horses
The property is currently used as an Airbnb rental and a wedding venue, further raising concerns over illicit financial flows.
“Corruption Fuels Insecurity in Africa” – Experts Call for Action
Jimmy Kande, PPLAAF’s West Africa Director, emphasized the direct link between corruption and insecurity, stating:
“No one can doubt that corruption contributes to insecurity. Terrorist groups in the Sahel thrive partly due to the diversion of funds meant for national security.”
PPLAAF also referenced its 2024 investigation with The Washington Post and Premium Times, which uncovered how Dasuki and his associates allegedly laundered money through multiple luxury properties in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Despite Nigerian officials urging U.S. authorities to “follow the money,” several of these properties remain in the hands of Dasuki’s associates.
Millions Looted While Nigerians Struggle in Poverty
The report highlights Nigeria’s stark economic inequality, pointing out that:
- Over 30% of Nigerians live below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day
- In Northern Nigeria, this figure rises above 45%
In contrast, Dasuki allegedly spent $1 million on the horse farm alone, while he was previously indicted for misappropriating as much as $2 billion in government funds.
Marie Paule Conaré, PPLAAF’s West Africa Project Officer, called for urgent international cooperation, stating:
“The funds Dasuki allegedly misappropriated could have been used to alleviate poverty, improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Instead, he and his associates enriched themselves at the expense of the Nigerian people.”
She further stressed:
“This investigation highlights how illicit financial flows enable individuals to acquire high-value assets abroad. Governments must act now—how many more properties must be uncovered before action is taken?”
