#Dasukigate: Abati offers to refund N5m – Report

Reuben Abati
Abati

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he only has N5 million to reimburse the government, according to Premium Times.

Abati, who was detained when he reported at the EFCC headquarters last week, reportedly admitted receiving N50 million from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The government said the money was part of $2.1 billion earmarked for the purchase of arms for the fight against Boko Haram.

Dasuki is standing trial for allegedly misappropriating the money.

Sources at the anti-graft agency said Abati failed to furnish the EFCC with records of how the N50 million was disbursed.

The former spokesperson reportedly said he did not keep notes of such expenses as they were doled out to media practitioners across the country as part of the 2015 campaign activities.

He was granted administrative bail last week, but has not been able to meet the requirements, which included presenting a senior federal civil servant from the level of a director as surety.

Detained along with him are former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode and former Minister of State for Aviation, Musiliu Obanikoro.