President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi, and his Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, have been linked to a $1.5 million bribery scandal. Reports indicate that the two allegedly arranged a meeting between the President and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, after receiving the payment.
According to insider sources, Tinubu met with Ojulari on June 10 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The NNPC boss is currently under investigation for suspected money laundering, including alleged transfers of large sums to AA&R Investment Group, a company owned by Abdullahi Bashir-Haske—son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu’s main opponent in the 2023 elections.
Atiku remains a prominent figure in the opposition alliance aiming to challenge Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections through the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The President was reportedly displeased after security reports connected Ojulari to suspicious financial dealings involving Atiku’s son-in-law,” a source disclosed. “There were concerns that NNPC funds might have been used to indirectly support political rivals.”
In July, Bashir-Haske was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over money laundering allegations. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that Ojulari secured a meeting with the President after $1.5 million was paid to Fasasi and Shugaba.
“The CSO and Chief Personal Security Officer are accused of accepting the bribe to facilitate access to the President,” an EFCC insider revealed. “Bashir-Haske also claimed Fasasi promised to influence the EFCC chairman to drop the case against him but failed to deliver.”
Further reports suggest Fasasi has a history of misconduct. In December 2024, he and other security personnel allegedly received $500,000 from a Niger Delta militant to help secure a government contract.
Past Controversies Involving Fasasi
Last October, Fasasi was removed as CSO by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) but reportedly refused to vacate his position. Sources say he had the support of several governors and influential figures who had allegedly paid him for continued access to the President.
“Fasasi has been accused of taking bribes to control who meets with Tinubu,” a source within the Villa stated. “Some officials argue that removing him would only mean others would demand fresh payments for access.”
Despite previous attempts to reassign him, Fasasi remained in his role, with negotiations reportedly underway for his eventual departure. The allegations raise concerns about corruption and security risks within the Presidency.
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