Suspects opt to refund cash for freedom
North’s leaders may intervene
President Muhammadu Buhari and his
predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, may soon
meet over the mind- boggling revelations from
the arms cash probe.
Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo
Dasuki, who is standing trial for alleged
misapplication and fraudulent disbursement of
over N31b meant for purchase of arms, has
alleged in his statement to the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that all his
disbursements were approved by the ex-
President.
Sources said some associates of Dr. Jonathan
were arranging a private meeting between the
leaders to enable Jonathan “straighten out”
some things with the President.
The ex-President is believed to be desirous of
addressing some of the allegations in
confidence because he is not keen on speaking
publicly “so as not to heat up the polity”.
It was also gathered that the ex-President’s
camp noted that some of the N31billion cash
was sourced from “security votes and budget
for Special Services”.
“Jonathan will prefer a private audience with
the President rather than taking up issues with
the suspects in public. Some of the
expenditures have grave security implications
as they involve some neighbouring countries,”
a source said, adding:
“As a statesman, Jonathan cannot just open up
at all. For example, there is a unit where the
overhead of past Presidents and Heads of State
was taken care of. Some of the funds disbursed
by the office had to do with these funds. If
Jonathan speaks, will he not rubbish these past
leaders?
“Some Presidents from some countries sought
financial assistance from ex-President Goodluck
Jonathan. Do you expect the former leader to
issue a statement on such a sensitive request?”
The source spoke of how Nigeria bought
vehicles and some equipment for some
countries from the funds, adding that
diplomatic etiquette does not allow such a
disclosure.
“At a point, there was negotiation to end Boko
Haram insurgency. This type of deal cannot be
put in the public domain”, he said, pleading not
to be named because he is not permitted to
talk to the media.
Also yesterday, it was learnt that some of the
suspects facing trial may opt to return looted
funds and forfeit some assets in exchange for
freedom or light sentences.
It was also learnt that some leaders of the
North may prevail on President Buhari for soft-
landing for some of the suspects.
About N31billion has been traced to more than
nine suspects facing trial in Abuja courts.
Some of the suspects, according to sources
close to the investigations, are already
overwhelmed by the evidence against them
and would prefer the plea bargain option.
The suspects are said to have volunteered to
return the funds traced to them and their
cronies through phoney companies.
They are also said to be considering the plea
bargain option to save time and get lighter jail
terms where conviction becomes necessary.
The names of the suspects seeking plea bargain
were kept under wraps last night, but only a
former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji
Bashir Yuguda, has indicated his willingness to
recover N600million out of the over N1billion
traced to him.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said:
“Despite the fact that most of the suspects
pleaded not guilty, some of them have been
considering plea bargain to get off the hook.
“Those affected have told the EFCC in
confidence that they want to return looted
funds and assets for outright state pardon or
lighter jail terms.
“These few ones seeking plea bargain said they
ought to regain freedom to retrieve funds
where they are stashed.
“In fact, one of the suspects said having
admitted that he had slush funds, there was
nothing to prove in court again.”
Last night, counsel to one of the key suspects
said: “I think there is a plea bargain offer by
some suspects. Some lawyers appearing in the
cases have been meeting to enable the nation
to get some of these funds back.
“These suspects would, however, prefer to
return funds and assets to the EFCC for outright
pardon.
“As I am talking to you, we have not reached
any conclusion on the terms of plea bargain to
be presented to the EFCC, which is prosecuting
all the suspects.”
Some elders, led by a former Secretary to the
Government of the Federation are said to be
pushing for soft landing for some of those on
trial.
The elders are said to be worried that most of
the suspects are from the North.
It was learnt that the elders had been under
pressure to save these key Northern figures on
trial.
But some of the elders, who are unsure of
President Buhari’s reaction, were said to have
met with presidential confidants.
There were plans last night for the elders to
have an audience with the President.
Another source said: “These elders want a plea
bargain alternative, which will lead to the
surrendering of all looted funds by the
suspects.
“Thereafter, an amicable political solution will
be reached to allow the suspects to go home
and sin no more. Alternatively, those with bad
cases can serve lighter jail terms.”

Only a former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, has indicated his willingness to recover N600million out of the over
N1billion traced to him.

LoveMachine:
This is a nice story to start my day!

And by the way handie as long as you have that sig you'll get a like from me. May you live long and prosper my brother. Peace and blessings.

likila:
i thought they had all returned the money since.
Did shugabankasa buhari not say they gave the money to him?

likila:
i thought they had all returned the money since.
Did shugabankasa buhari not say they gave the money to him?

“Thereafter, an amicable political solution will
be reached to allow the suspects to go home
and sin no more.

GudluckIBB:


Anyway,onething that makes me very very happy now is the fact that Raymond Dokpesi is in kuje prison as I type this post.

handie:
This man must be high on weed. 600 million out of over 1 Billion? Nah! Thanks we don't want such recovery. Return the entire 1 Billion.... With interest, forfeit all of your assets and we might just reduce ya sentence. There should be no political solution to this issue. To hell with northern elders and anyone who'll not want justice to be served to it's fullest. Those guys stole and nothing will satisfy me more than seizure of all their assets and a huge jail term. Infact I'll lose hope in d country if the sentences given to them is not @ par to those given to the common man. We don't just want funds returns.... While it was with them, those funds brought in more money(interest, profits etc). They should be made to vomit em all and woe betide any man who tries to defend these people who should be regarded as dregs of the Nigerian nation