Dasukigate: Ex-VP Sambo’s aide admits collectig of N25 million for election website

A former special adviser on political matters to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Abba Dabo, on Thursday told Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was paid N25 million by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, to create a website.

The money was part of the N400 million arms purchase funds allegedly given to Mr. Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited by the former NSA, Sambo Dasuki.

Mr. Dabo, while being led in evidence by the counsel to Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that he was paid the money through the second defendant’s company account, Destra Investment Limited.

Mr. Dabo, also a former spokesperson for ex-President Shehu Shagari, was a former editor of Sunday New Nigeria and Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo and one time deputy national chairman of the PDP (North).

According to him, the said money was for media and publicity campaign for the PDP presidential election.

Explaining how the money was expended, Mr. Dabo told the court that he created a media support system and a website called “WhatsApp Nigeria” to run media advocacy campaign for the party.

“I raised a team of facilitators and young internet experts were also employed to manage the website,” Mr. Dabo stated.

The witness further told the court that he was shocked to hear in the media that the money given to him by Mr. Metuh was part of the funds set aside to procure arms for fighting insurgency.

“Therefore, I decided to return the money to the EFCC,” Mr. Dabo said.

Justice Abang, at the instance of counsel to the second defendant, Onyechi Ikpeazu, adjourned to February 9 for further hearing.