Report Reveals Misuse of Boko Haram Funds in U.S. Luxury Real Estate Linked to Ex-Security Adviser Dasuki

A recent report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) reveals that millions of dollars intended for the fight against Boko Haram were allegedly misappropriated and used to fund luxury real estate in the United States. The funds have been tied to Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and his associates.

Previously charged with diverting billions of Naira meant for counterterrorism during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Dasuki is now implicated in a new scandal. PPLAAF’s investigation reveals that tens of millions in misappropriated funds were funneled into luxury properties in Los Angeles, California, and McLean, Virginia, through close allies, Robert and Mimie Oshodin.

Millions Invested in High-End U.S. Real Estate

The report, based on an examination of property deeds, bank records, and legal documents from Nigeria and the U.S., connects the Oshodins to over $27 million from Dasuki’s office. These funds reportedly financed lavish properties, including a $9.5 million mansion in Los Angeles, purchased on the same day that $12 million was transferred to the Oshodins’ Nigerian furniture business. The report also mentions the storage of millions in valuables, such as jewelry worth over $3 million, within these properties.

Jimmy Kande, PPLAAF’s West Africa Director, criticized the U.S. government’s alleged oversight, stating, “The fight for accountability in Nigeria is undermined when nations like the U.S. ignore corruption. It’s a grave issue when public money meant to protect citizens is siphoned off for personal luxury.” He urged the U.S. to take stronger measures against such practices.

Nigeria’s Efforts to Recover Misappropriated Funds

In 2018, Nigerian authorities alerted the U.S. Department of Justice about Dasuki’s suspected misappropriations, hoping for intervention. Despite this, the Oshodins reportedly continued acquiring and selling real estate, and they still hold over $20 million worth of property in the U.S.

Activist Lanre Suraj from Nigeria’s Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) condemned the situation, expressing disappointment in the misuse of funds meant to combat terrorism. “It’s appalling that funds meant to fight terrorism were used to fuel a few people’s opulent lifestyles,” Suraj said. “This investigation should push Nigeria and the U.S. to act swiftly to recover these assets for the Nigerian people.”

Dasukigate: A Tale of Embezzlement and Global Money Laundering

Appointed in 2012, Dasuki’s role as Nigeria’s National Security Adviser was to oversee the fight against Boko Haram, which caused widespread devastation in Nigeria. However, Dasuki allegedly embezzled over $2 billion intended for this purpose through fake procurement deals. His arrest in 2015, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s rise to office, marked the beginning of a lengthy investigation known as “Dasukigate.”

Since then, PPLAAF’s ongoing investigations have identified several assets linked to Dasuki’s associates, raising questions about the U.S. real estate market’s role in hiding illicit funds. For instance, a stately mansion in McLean, Virginia, valued at $2.8 million, is connected to Dasuki’s network. This residence, featuring luxurious amenities such as a wine cellar and sauna, has drawn the attention of neighbors and investigators alike. Locals have noted that the mansion’s elusive owner, believed to be a close ally of Dasuki, has since vanished.

U.S. Tightens Measures Against Illicit Real Estate Transactions

The U.S. government has recently intensified efforts to combat illicit financial flows, requiring that cash real estate purchases made through shell companies be reported. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Treasury, emphasized that blocking illicit funds from entering the real estate market is crucial in an era of housing crises.

These developments mark a renewed focus on recovering assets linked to corruption. However, Nigeria continues to face challenges in reclaiming funds tied to the Dasukigate scandal, with delays in judicial processes and international cooperation.