Ex-Nigerian Security Adviser, Allies Linked To Millions In U.S. Luxury Real Estate From Boko Haram Funds
A recent investigation has revealed that millions of dollars meant for Nigeria’s anti-Boko Haram efforts were allegedly funneled into luxury real estate in the United States by former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and close associates.
This revelation came through a report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), spotlighting an alleged misuse of public funds that has ignited calls for international action.
Dasuki, who served as the National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was initially charged with diverting billions of naira allocated to Nigeria’s campaign against Boko Haram.
According to PPLAAF, tens of millions of dollars meant for the anti-terrorism fight were instead invested in upscale properties in Los Angeles, California, and McLean, Virginia.
PPLAAF reported that the funds were routed to the United States through associates of Dasuki, primarily Robert and Mimie Oshodin, who are believed to have received over $27 million from his office.
Jimmy Kande, PPLAAF’s West Africa Director, emphasized the seriousness of the findings, urging the United States to respond to the allegations.
“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,” Kande stated.
Lanre Suraj, head of Nigeria’s Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), expressed his outrage, describing the misuse of funds as “sickening.”
He further insisted that both Nigerian and U.S. authorities work together to recover the allegedly diverted funds and restore them to the Nigerian public.
The timeline of this alleged misconduct dates back to Dasuki’s appointment in 2012, as Boko Haram’s violent insurgency was causing extensive damage in Nigeria and neighboring regions.
Nigerian authorities claim that during his tenure, Dasuki misappropriated over $2 billion through fraudulent contracts and procurement deals.
Shortly after his appointment, funds reportedly began flowing to the Oshodins, who were legally responsible for two of Dasuki’s children residing in the U.S.
Around this time, the Oshodins began substantial investments in U.S. luxury real estate, including the purchase of a $9.5 million mansion in Los Angeles.
Court documents obtained by PPLAAF further disclosed that the Oshodins stored lavish assets, such as a $3 million ring and other high-value items, in the Los Angeles mansion, which they reportedly still own along with properties valued at $20 million in Los Angeles and McLean.
Despite Nigerian authorities alerting the U.S. Department of Justice in 2018, the Oshodins continued their acquisitions.
This case underscores perceived gaps in U.S. regulatory oversight regarding illicit financial flows into the real estate sector, an issue Nigeria has faced while attempting to recover misappropriated assets.
In recent years, the U.S. has implemented stricter rules to limit illicit financial flows, including requirements for real estate professionals to report cash purchases by companies or trusts.
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