Dasukigate: Ex-VP Sambo’s Aide Admits Receiving N25m 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.

Source