Ex-NSA cannot remember why he paid Metuh N400m

Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has told

While appearing as a defence witness in Metuh's money laundering trial on Friday, November 3, Dasuki insisted that he cannot remember much of the transaction unless he is allowed access to certain documents to refresh his memory.

When presented with e-payment exhibits by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, who asked him to tell the court the purpose of paying Metuh the said amount in 2014, Dasuki said he would not be able to confirm the payment of N400m to Metuh or the purpose it was meant for.

He said, "If you want an answer, I still have to refer to my records. It would be useful for the counsel to make himself familiar with the NSA Act."

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited, on a seven-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering.

The alleged offence involved $2 million and N400 million which the defendant allegedly received from Dasuki's office in 2014.

While the money is earmarked "for security services" in the exhibits presented to the court, Metuh allegedly spent it on the party and personal affairs.

Dasuki told the court on Friday that he had no recollection of dealing with Metuh's Destra Investments Limited that was used to facilitate the amount of money in question.

When he was shown the content of the e-payment mandate on which his name and signature appeared, authorising the payment of N400m, Dasuki said, "My name has been typed out there."

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The former NSA was discharged by the court after his testimony and the case was adjourned till December 4 when former President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to appear as Metuh's next witness.