Millions Of Dollars Meant For Boko Haram Fight Invested In U.S. Luxury Real Estate Tied To Ex-Nigerian Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, Allies

A new report released by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) has revealed that the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, invested millions of dollars in American luxury real estate.

Dasuki was previously charged with diverting billions of Naira meant for the fight against Boko Haram insurgents during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The PPLAAF report stated that tens of millions allegedly misappropriated by Dasuki ended up funding luxury properties in Los Angeles, California, and McLean, Virginia, a wealthy suburb of Washington, DC.

PPLAAF stated that it examined thousands of pages of property deeds, corporate filings, bank records, and court documents from both Nigeria and the U.S., tracing funds to high-end properties purchased by Dasuki’s close associates, Robert and Mimie Oshodin.

The report stated that records indicate that the Oshodins received at least $27 million from Dasuki’s office and invested similar sums in U.S. real estate.

“Our investigation shows how the fight for accountability in Nigeria is undermined when nations like the U.S. ignore corruption. It’s a grave issue when those entrusted to protect citizens siphon public money for personal luxury,” stated Jimmy Kande, PPLAAF’s West Africa Director.

“The U.S. can and should do more, both morally and legally,” Kande added.

Recall that in 2018 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian authorities alerted the U.S. Department of Justice about the allegations involving Dasuki and the Oshodins, urging them to track the money trail. Despite this, the Oshodins continued to acquire and sell properties.

Lanre Suraj of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), expressed outrage saying, “It’s sickening that funds meant to fight terrorism and protect Nigerians were diverted for the opulent lifestyles of a few.

“This investigation should urge Nigeria and the U.S. to recover these assets for the Nigerian people.”

Dasuki, appointed National Security Adviser in 2012 under then-president Goodluck Jonathan, was tasked with coordinating the response to Boko Haram’s insurgency, which caused widespread violence and displacement in Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Nigerian authorities allege that through fake procurement deals and dubious contracts, Dasuki embezzled over $2 billion intended for the anti-terrorism campaign.

After Muhammadu Buhari took office in 2015, Dasuki was dismissed and later arrested in connection with the scandal, often called “Dasukigate.”

As part of its investigation, PPLAAF said it identified multiple assets linked to the Dasukigate scandal.

Soon after Dasuki’s 2012 appointment, he began transferring large sums to the Oshodins, who were acting as legal guardians to two of his children in the U.S. During this period, the couple invested around $24 million in U.S. real estate, often coinciding with transfers from Dasuki’s office.

The largest transaction was the purchase of a $9.5 million Los Angeles mansion on the same day Dasuki’s office transferred $12 million to the Oshodins’ furniture business in Nigeria.

Court filings obtained by PPLAAF indicate that the Oshodins stored tens of millions in jewelry, including a ring valued at over $3 million, along with expensive furnishings and antiquities, in their Los Angeles mansion.

Although the Nigerian authorities informed the U.S. of the allegations in 2018, the Oshodins continued their real estate dealings and still own properties valued at $20 million in Los Angeles and McLean.

Nigeria’s investigation into the Oshodins suggests serious gaps in U.S. oversight of illicit financial flows in real estate.

Recently, the U.S. has strengthened measures to curb such flows, requiring investment advisers and real estate professionals to report all cash purchases by companies and trusts.

However, Nigeria continues to face challenges in recovering assets and prosecuting cases tied to Dasukigate, with persistent coordination and judicial delays. The Dasukigate scandal remains a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to combat corruption.